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Book „ 

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COPYRIGHT EEPOSIR 



The Book of Dodtrines 



Issued in the Interest of 

The Church of God 







*\l any man will do hia will, he shall know of the dodtrine/ 

St John 7:17. 




CHURCH OF GOD PUBUSHING HOUSE 

CLEVELAND. TENNESSEE 






Copyright, 1922, by 
CHURCH OF GOD PUBLISHING HOUSE 
Cleveland, Tennessee 



NOV 24 1922 



ClA6a2^75 



*vv 



9 1 






CONTENTS 



The Bible Is Truth 5 

All Are Sinners 11 

Repentance 15 

Justification 20 

Sanctification 27 

The Baptism with the Holy Ghost 37 

ORDINANCES OF THE LORD 

Baptism in Water 62 

The Lord's Supper 66 

Feet Washing 71 

Tithing and Giving 78 

Healing of the Body 88 

THE CHURCH OF GOD ' 

The ''Name of the Church of God" 95 

The "Organization of the Church of God" 98 

The "Officers of the Church of God" 109 

CHURCH PRACTICES 

Women Speaking in the Church 112 

Speaking in Tongues in the Church 114 

The Covering of the Woman 116 

Abstinence from Alcoholic Drink 117 

Meats and Drinks 119 

The Sabbath Day 122 

Ornaments and Decorations 123 

Membership in Lodges 126 

The Gifts of the Spirit 129 

The Coming of Jesus 136 



IMPORTANT NOTICE 



THE CHURCH OF GOD takes the New Testament as its 
only rule of faith and practice, consistently maintain- 
ing that the New Testament is sufficient in its instruc- 
tions to cover every problem that may come up, not only 
in the rules of the church, but life itself. 

The subjects that are treated in this book are the promi- 
nent New Testament doctrines, discussed from the view- 
point of giving Scriptural proof of them. 

Now if a minister of the Church of God preaches a sermon 
on these important themes, it does not mean that he ex- 
presses a "Creed" for the Church. Neither does this book 
promulgate a creed. 

This book has fulfilled its purpose nobly if it places in the 
hands of a new convert a simple statement of Bible doc- 
trine, which he himself can verify in the Scriptures. 

It also places in the hands of all members a ready reference 
for Scriptural proof of the doctrines. These convenient dis- 
cussions he himself can use in teaching others of the plan 
of salvation. 

Much more can be said on each of the different subjects 
in this book; in fact, it would be difficult to make a book 
that would be large enough to contain all the blessed 
things that could be said about Justification alone. But 
this book will no doubt be of great assistance to many, 
especially the newcomers in our midst, and yet not be so 
large and complex as to be inconvenient in treatment, or 
in price. 

THE PUBLISHERS 



The Bible Is Truth 

"Ye Shall Know the Truth and the Truth Shall Make You 

Free." 

One of the co-authors of this book was sitting in the 
Lobby of the Prince George Hotel, New York City, in May, 
1921, talking with two other men about the Bible. One of 
these was a $5000 a year minister of a very popular New 
York suburban church. His father had been a minister be- 
fore him. 

"You know," he said, **my opinions concerning the Bi- 
ble are quite different from my father's. If he were ortho- 
dox, I am not. We have learned that the Bible is not as in- 
fallible as he thought — it has been garbled by translators 
and the thousands of years that it has been in existence has 
changed it until we can have no confidence in it, except in 
certain broad outlines. We cannot take it word for word." 

Ecclesiastical Skeptic. It is unpardonable mockery 
for any man to become the pastor of a church who doesn't 
believe the Bible— FOR THE CHURCH HAD ITS BEGIN- 
NINGS IN FAITH IN THE SCRIPTURES. "For Shame" 
men would cry, and people would resent it by main force, if 
the preacher ascended his pulpit some Sunday morning and 
in plain view of his congi*egation began ripping out pages 
from the Scriptures. Is it not even more than sacrilege 
to deny the truth written there? 



._ A: 



6 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

Reasons Why the Bible Is True. But we gain little by 
denouncing such denials of Christian faith. I point them 
out merely to show how prevalent is the practice and cus- 
tom of denying the authenticity of the Scriptures, and to 
lead to an opportunity which we now have to mention good 
reasoning whereby "WE KNOW THE BIBLE IS TRUE." 
No doubt you have heard good clergymen on this subject, 
but it will be helpful to see a few reasons set down in type. 

In beginning this I am reminded of the steward in a 
certain church in London which for thirty years conducted 
what were called the "Brampton Lectures," designed to 
promote "a more sure faith in the Christian Rehgion.'* A 
stranger encountering the steward one day asked him if 
he were a Christian. The steward replied, "I have listened 
to the Brampton Lectures for thirty years — and, thank God, 
I am still a Christian." The trouble with the Brampton lec- 
tures was that they were always questioning the truth of 
the Scriptures, and then by round-about and abstruse rea- 
soning were trying to establish the truth, which up to that 
time had not been questioned. 

The faithful follower of Christ who endeavors to show 
the truth of the Gospel to an unbeliever is urged to avoid 
bringing up objections just for the purpose of answering 
them. But he is urged to always be ready to give a "reason 
for the faith that is in him." And to that end we bring up 
well-known and prominent objections to the faith of Jesus 
Christ in this book, so that the reader can be fortified with 
the truth. 

Faithfulness of the Translation of the Scriptures. All 
authorities, without exception, are agreed that the Old 
Testament was translated before 280 B. C, into the Greek 
language, and that it still remains the same as the original 
Septuagint Version, the name given to that translation. 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 7 

This proves two things: (1) That the Old Testament being 
SO revered and honored at that time that 70 men were ap- 
pointed to make the translation, and this was done by the 
action of a great body of people — it certainly was no fake. 
And no fake could hardly find its way through 70 men. 
(2) The Old Testament still remains the same as it was in 
280 B. C. If, therefore, it has remained unchanged for 
over 2000 years, the burden of evidence is on the side of 
the Scriptures. They could have remained unchanged for 
the thousand years from Moses' time for the oldest book, 
to Malachi's time, only 220 years before. 

As to the New Testament, scholars for five hundred 
years have been trying to find mistakes, by digging up 
old manuscripts, delving into every secret place in the 
world — and have utterly failed to materially change a 
thing. The King James version of the Scriptures holds 
fast in the English language as the standard. Every 
other translation but makes the New Testament as well 
as the Old seem surer and more worthy of confidence. 

Certainly all facts bearing upon the translation of the 
Scriptures are in favor of the Scriptures — if indeed ques- 
tions concerning this point ever do amount to much. But 
they do bear mentioning. If at any time you should desire 
to know the complete story of the translation of the Bible 
you will find it in the Encyclopedia Brittanica, available at 
nearly every library, should you not have a set yourself. 

The Best Method of Proving the Bible is True. We 
must admit that it is a shame upon Christendom that min- 
isters who are dead in earnest must take time from teach- 
ing the heathen to re-teaching Christians how true the Bi- 
ble is. And we come to the rescue of the Bible and some- 
times to the defense of God Himself — not because the Bi- 
ble or God needs any defense, but because the enemy of 



THE BOOK. OF DOCTRINES 

our souls is resorting to every measure imaginable to con- 
tradict the Word of Almighty God, and we wish to do our 
share in defeating him. 

The one way to prove every passage in the Scrip- 
ture is true is to put it to the test. Into the chemical lab- 
oratory is brought a piece of ore that some one says con- 
tains copper. The chemist puts the ore under the test 
which will determine if there is any copper in it. Why can't 
we do the same with the passages in the Scriptures? We 
can. 

For example, we read in the 16th chapter of Mark that 
one of the signs that shall follow them that believe, is 
that "They shall lay hands on the sick and they shall re- 
cover." It is not justice to the Bible to say that this pas- 
sage is a mistake until we put the passages to a test. 

We can take every passage in the Scriptures, without 
a single exception, and put it to the test. There is not a 
single book of prophecy in the Old Testament but what we 
can find prophecies that are hterally fulfilled, just as the 
prophet foresaw. 

THE BOOK OP GENESIS. 

Let us go to the book of Genesis, by a denunciation of 
which certain people have attempted to undermine all 
faith in the Scriptures. The passages that describe the 
Creation still stand. Many theories have been advanced, 
but none of them yet have held water, and their advocates 
plainly admit that they are theories only. Sometime our 
understandings will be Opened and we will understand all 
that is meant by the story of creation in the first chapters 
of Genesis. 

Up until a few years ago there were multitudes deny- 
ing the story of the Flood, as described in Genesis, simply 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 9 

because we couldn't conceive of it with our own mindB. 
But archaeologists unearth some descriptions of the flood 
in old Babylon — and the people that wouldn't believe the 
Bible are the very first to put their faith in the descriptions 
in cypher on the old tumble-down ruins of Babylon. The 
very same people devote time and energy to prove that the 
big mound, or mountain, standing solitary upon the plain 
Is none other than the ruins of the Tower of Babel. 

The Story of Jonah. A few years ago when higher 
criticism made its bold appearance the story of Jonah was 
treated as a myth, a joke, a fake. First of all they couldn't 
conceive a whale being in the Mediterranean Sea, over- 
looking the fact that the King James Version calls it a 
"Big Pish," and not a whale. In a recent issue of THE 
WORLD'S WORK, the Prince of Monaco, world famous 
oceanographer, who knows more about the depths of the 
Mediterranean than any other man probably ever did, 
states that he has seen many whales in the Mediterranean. 

The Challenge the Bible Makes to the Whole World. 
I believe you can fairly call it a challenge. The promises 
of the Scriptures are before all without a single exception. 
They beckon to every one to come and try them out. 
Don*t stand back just because you don't understand — go 
ahead. If you had never seen com grow, but had decided 
to become a farmer, you would go to a practical farmer 
and ask him just how to go about it. The farmer would 
say, take this com and put it under the ground. You would 
go right ahead and do it — and your corn would come up 
and flourish. Why not be as practical about the promises 
and tmths of the Scriptures! Can't we take the Word of 
God for what it says, without adding a jot or a tittle? 

It is really amazing how the Word of God has stood 
the test of time. But surely this is only in fulfillment of 



10 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

the Scripture where He said, " Heaven and earth shall 
pass away, but my word shall not pass away." 

You can challenge the world with the Bible. Don't be 
afraid to put every promise of the Bible to the test. I will 
not take time at this place to recount the enumerable ex- 
amples of actual tests that every promise of the Scriptures 
have been put to within the last fifteen years right here 
in the United States. But let me say, that every promise 
of the Scriptures has been definitely and repeatedly ful- 
filled, and at the proper place ample testimony will be 
offered. 



All Are Sinners 

'*AII we, like sheep, have gone astray." 

Psalms 51:5 "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; 
and in sin did my mother conceive me." 
Romans 7:8. "Sin, taking occasion by the com- 
mandment, wrought in me all manner of concupis- 
cence." 

Original Sin. The two references above say definitely 
that we are sinners, as brought into the world. It is the 
nature of Adam, the natural; because Adam fell we are 
all fallen. 

"For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all 
be made alive." 1 Corinthians 15:22. 
''Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the 
world, and death by sin; and so death passed up- 
on all men, for that all have sinned." Romans 
5:12. 

"Therefore as by the offence of one judgment 
came upon all men to condemnation; even so by 
the righteousness of one the free gift came upon 
all men unto justification of life." Romans 5:18. 
The first eight chapters of Romans are the most no- 
table coUection of writings anywhere, showing moral de- 
pravity, original sin, and then ending in the climax at the 
end of the seventh chapter: 

'0 wretched man that I am! who shall deliver 



*«i 



li THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

me from the body of this death? I thank God 
through Jesus Christ our Lord." 
Original sin is the law of sin and death. It is moral de- 
pravity. 

Moral Depravity, Perhaps we can understand moral 
depravity more readily, if we compare it with physical de- 
pravity. When we speak of the physical depravity of the 
body we mean that the body is diseased. It is a departure 
from the laws of health, a lapsed or fallen state of physical 
condition. 

Moral Depravity, then, is a disease of the soul, and 
of the voluntary actions of the mind. 

Some Practical Examples of Moral Depravity, Original 
Sin. Uncontrolled passion, appetite, selfishness, greed, 
hatred — all these sins spring up in the child, not from any 
purpose of the child to acquire them — they are just natu- 
rally there. They are more controlled in some than in others 
— ^but nevertheless they are there. We see this before our 
eyes, and would know it even though there were no Scnp- 
ture which pointed it out definitely to us. 
But let us find Bible proof: 

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory 
of God." Romans 3:23. 

"And God saw that the wickedness of man was 
great in the earth, and that every imagination of 
the thoughts of his heart was only evil continu- 
ally." Gen.6:5. 

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and des- 
perately wicked: who can know it?" Jer. 17:9. 
"Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: 
for it is not subject to the law of God, neither in- 
deed can be." Romans 8:7. 
"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 18 

I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he 
cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3. 
"What then? are we better than they? No, in no 
wise: for we have before proved both Jews and 
Gentiles, that they are all under sin; as it is writ- 
ten, there is none righteous, no, not one. There 
is none that understandeth, there is none that 
seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the 
way, they are together become unprofitable; 
there is none that doeth good, no not one. Their 
throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues 
they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under 
their lips: whose mouth is full of cursing and bit- 
terness: their feet are swift to shed blood: de- 
struction and misery are in their ways: and the 
way of peace have they not known: there is no 
fear of God before their eyes. Now we know that 
what things soever the law saith, it saith to them 
who are under the law : that every mouth may b« 
stopped, and all the world may become guilty be- 
fore God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there 
shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the 
law is the knowledge of sin." Romans 3:9-20. 
The histoiy of the world proves that the human race 
is under sin, and in a state of moral depravity as a w^hole. 
WHio ever saw an unregenerate being that was not selfish, 
that did not obey his feelings rather than the law of intel- 
ligence? People living to please themselves — that people is 
morally depraved — and must suffer the consequences. 

The passages of Scripture quoted are all to the point. 
With your reference Bible you can find others. Incidentally, 
it will usually be easier to convince people of the moral 
depravity of the whole human race by pointing out the 



14 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

wickedness in the world, than it will by quoting Scripture. 
But the two together are invincible and unanswerable. 

As we contemplate this wretched state of the human 
race, what a relief it is to turn to the thoughts of how we 
may be "delivered from the body of this death." "I thank 
God, through Jesus Christ our Lord." The first step to- 
ward deliverance is Repentance. 



^ 



Repentance 

"Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish." 

Gospel Repentance — is that repentance and regret 
which tlie sinner feels who is sensible of his sin and his 
estrangement from God, so much so that he humbles him- 
self before God on account of it, not so much on account 
of the punishment to which his sin has made him liable, 
as that thereby he has violated the laws of God, his own 
soul polluted and defiled. This grief arises from the love of 
God, and is accompanied with a hatred for sin, so much so 
that the sinner determines that he will not sin again. It 
is also accompained with an expectation of forgiveness, 
and a determination to follow after Christ all the rest of 
his hfe. 

Genuine Repentance makes a man or woman give up 
sin completely, and every thing that is not pleasing to 
God. The repentant one doesn't wait until he finds for- 
giveness to begin to do right. He exclaims, "Though thou 
slay me, yet will I trust thee." 

That Repentance is absolutely required and is the 
first definite step in becoming a Christian is clearly set 
forth by many passages of Scripture, among which the 
following are prominent: 

'*In those days came John the Baptist, preaching 

in the wilderness of Judea, And saying, Repent 



16 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Mat- 
thew 3:1, 2. 

"Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus 
came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the 
kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, 
and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, 
and believe the gospel." Mark 1:14, 15. 
"And they (the twelve) went out, and preached 
that men should repent." Mark 6:12. 
"Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." 
Luke 13 :S. 

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be bap- 
tized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ 
for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the 
gift of the Holy Ghost." Acts 2:38. 
"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your 
sins may be blotted out, when the times of refresh- 
ing shall come from the presence of the Lord." 
Acts 3:19. 

^'And the times of this ignorance God winked at; 
but now commandeth all men everywhere to re- 
pent: because he hath appointed a day, in the 
which he will judge the world in righteousness 
by that man whom he hath ordained." Acts 17: 
30, 31. 

We can give no less than eighteen other passages that 
refer directly to the necessity for repentance. You will find 
these readily in a reference Bible should you have need for 
them. The above will serve our purpose for the time being. 
These passages establish several important things 
which you will note: 

(1) That all sinners are given an opportunity to 
repent. 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 17 

(2) That they are urged, even commanded, to re- 
pent. 

(3) That by repenting they can attain favor with 
God, and face with confidence the day of judg- 
ment which God has appointed when He will 
judge the world. 

(4) That without repentance you cannot escape 
damnation. There is no other road to come to 
Christ. 

But let us note that it is possible for a man to reach 
a place where he cannot repent: 

"Therefore leaving the principles of the doc- 
trine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not 
laying again the foundation of repentance from 
dead works, and of faith toward God, and of the 
doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, 
and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal 
judgment. And this will we do, if God permit. For it 
is impossible for those who were once enlight- 
ened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and 
were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and 
have tasted the good word of God, and the pow- 
ers of the w^orld to come, if they shall fall away, 
to renew them again unto repentance; seeing 
they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, 
and put him to an open shame." Hebrews 6:1-6. 
Then, if he cannot repent and return to God, the 
door is closed to him forever. 

Practical Observations of Repentance. Most of us have 
seen people repent. One young man came foi-ward re- 
peatedly seeking forgiveness for his sins. His efforts as far 
as we knew were in vain. But it was noticed that he got 
up from the altar each time with a definite purpose on his 



18 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

face. After a few days the sweet assurance of forgiveness 
came to him, and he was serenely happy in Christ. Then 
we heard the story. He wanted to be saved, but first this 
little debt and then that one, that he had decided to "for- 
get" bobbed up — and he was rising from the altar with a 
determination to pay. The last day, when all but one was 
paid — a debt to the railroad for hobo trips — and he had de- 
cided to write a letter to the Superintendent of the Rail- 
road — forgiveness came to him. That is practical repent- 
ance. 

In the great revivals of Kentucky about 1800, it was a 
common occurrence for the penitent to rise from the altar 
and go make peace with a neighbor, and then come back 
and find God. If people couldn't find deliverance from sin 
they would search back through their lives and see if any- 
thing needed rectifying. Restitution is an important part 
of repentance. 

When Repentance is Complete. You will know it — 
The burden will roll away. Then comes a sense of inward 
peace and joy — a definite expression within your soul. It 
is difficult to explain just the nature of this feeling of re- 
joicing. But perhaps it can be compared to the feeling of 
love that wells up in the heart of the mother as she looks 
upon her babe nestling at her breast. Or perhaps it is 
somewhat like the feeling the bride and the bridegroom 
have for each other — the thought makes something wake 
up on the inside somewhere — an inexpressible something 
that they can see in each other's eyes — and feel as their 
lips fondly meet with love unbounded — but it is hard to 
find words to express it. Or it may be compared to the 
man that has gone all day through a dry and sandy coun- 
try, scorching winds blowing sand into his hot, perspiring 
face, trudging along tired, thirsty, worn. And he finds a 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 19 

spring beneath a big shade tree at the side of the road. A 
convenient cup hangs there, and he drinks deeply at the 
cool spring of water, clear as crystal. The water goes 
down through his chest, coohng, trickling through him, 
and it sends a tingle of delight through his body. Jeremiah 
2:13 calls God the "Fountain of Living Waters," and wc 
find: 

"In that day there shall be a fountain opened to 

the house of David * * * * for sin and for unclean- 

ness." Zech. 13:1. 

In the chemical laboratory a quantity of several dif- 
ferent ingredients would be given to us, each in a separate 
container. Our instructor told us that if we would put so 
much of some of them into a test tube together under 
certain conditions we would get certain results. For ex- 
ample, we would put three or four hquids together, and 
suddenly in the bottom of the test tube we would see a 
metal deposited. We could take off the remaining liquid 
and take the metal in our hands. One day as the instructor 
was near when I was making an experiment which he 
said would work, I asked him, "How much more of this last 
liquid must I put in?" He repHed, "Enough." I kept on 
pouring in, and it came to pass as he said it would. 

Just so with Repentance. When the penitent one has 
completely repented forgiveness will come, for all sins. 
When the penitent one has completely repented, without 
holding back a single thing — the blessing of forgiveness 
comes— And this blessing we call JUSTIFICATION — 
which let us now consider. 



Ju^ification 



"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace 
with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:1.) 

Justification by Faith. The Justification of the sinner 
means the pardoning of the sinner, absolving him from the 
guilt and punishment of sin, through the imputation of 
Christ's righteousness. 

"Therefore as by the offence of one judgment 
. came upon all men to condemnation ; even so by 
the righteousness of one the free gift came upon 
all men unto justification of life." Romans 5:18. 
**But for us also, to v^hom it shall be imputed, if 
we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord 
from the dead; who was delivered for our of- 
fences, and was raised again for our justification." 
Romans 4:24, 25. 

"Much more then, being now justified by his 
blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 
For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled 
to God by the death of his Son, much more, be- 
ing reconciled, we shall be saved by his life." 
Romans 5:9, 10. 

"Being justified freely by his grace through the 
redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God 
hath set forth to be a propitiation through 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 21 

faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness 
for the remission of SINS THAT ARE PAST, 
through the forbearance of God; to declare, I 
say, at this time his righteousness: that he 
might be just, and the justifier of him that be- 
lieveth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is 
excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by 
the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a 
man is justified by faith, without the deeds of 
the law." Romans 3:24-28. 

''Knowing that a man is not justified by the 
works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, 
even we have l^elieved in Jesus Christ, that we 
might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not 
by the works of the law: for by the works of the 
law shall no flesh be justified." Gal. 2:16. 
"But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith with- 
out works is dead? Was not Abraham our father 
justified by works, when he had offered Isaac 
his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith 
wrought with his works, and by works was 
faith made perfect?" James 2:20, 21, 22. 
Repentance being the first essential move toward 
Justification, the references concerning repentance and 
Justification intert\\ine inseparably throughout the New 
Testament. 

There are references all through the New Testament 
concerning this Justification experience, but let the above 
suffice for our present purpose. These set forth the follow- 
ing veiy prominent truths: 

(1) That Justification is a free gift, conditioned 
upon repentance. 

(2) That this experience is a free gift because 



22 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

Christ's Righteousness is imputed for our sins< 

(3) That Justification is by faith, not by works. 
The penitent sinner must come to the place where 
he sincerely believes that Christ died for him, and 
that because of this his sins are forgiven. 

(4) That even though we are justified by faith, 
we must show our faith by our works. 

(5) That Justification is the experience received 
after a complete repentance and confession of 
faith in Christ. It is the pardon that is written on 
your heart by faith, that your sins are all under 
the blood — all sins that are past are remitted, 
and held against you no more. 

(6) That in order to complete the work of Justi- 
fication for us it was necessary for Him to be res- 
urrected again. 

(7) That a man may cease his evil ways and deter^ 
mine to do good, but such action will not bring 
about Justification — Justification can only be 
brought about by faith in Jesus Christ. 

Let us consider Justification in this manner: The 
sinner, confessing his sins comes before the Tlirone of 
Grace. The Lord God sees deep into the heart of the sinful 
one, and sees how deep is the spirit of repentance. Rec- 
ognizing that the sinful one holds back nothing — pardon 
is extended freely, because Jesus bore the guilt for those 
sins on the cross. 

Illustration. The story is told of the young man who 
wandered away from parental advice and care, and fell 
into terrible sin. Becoming worse and worse he finally 
committed a terrible murder — and was placed in the death 
chamber awaiting the day of execution. The poor old 
father visited his wayward son regularly in the jail. But 



THE BOOK OF DOCTEINES 23 

one day he came and the son was not there — he had brok- 
en jail. The day of execution came and the son had not yet 
been found. The old father went to the authorities and 
begged that he might die instead of his son. This was per- 
mitted and the old father, with unfathomable parental 
love, sent a last message to his son, to be delivered to him 
should he ever be found: 
"For a second time I give life to you — make the most of it," 

The law of the state had to be satisfied — the father 
substituted himself for his son. Hence the son was a free 
man. Even so the one who sins must die — "The soul that 
sinneth it shall die" — . And the sinner is condemned to 
die. But God's gracious law has it fixed that if the sinner 
coming up to die for his own sins will only confess them — 
not attempt to hide them — and beUeve on Christ who 
died FOR HIM — then he shall not die but have eternal 
Ufe. 

Practical Experience. Look about you. Go to any re- 
vival meeting any^vhere in the world, and see what happens 
when the sinner confesses his sins. It was my glorious 
privilege to see nineteen within the space of an hour or so 
receive the experience of JUSTIFICATION. They confessed 
their sins in weeping and prayer to God. And when they 
had confessed them a wonderful peace that passeth un- 
derstanding came over them. It is the peace that the poet 
sang of in our old favorite: 

"Peace, peace, wonderful peace, 
Coming down from the Father above. 
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray. 
In Fathomless billows of love." 

Thousands, yea millions, have received the experience 
of Justification by confessing their sins. The points we 



24 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

make in this lesson, therefore, are not from theory only, 
but we have actually taken the promises, miUlons of us, 
and put them to the test and felt the glory roll over our 
souls when Jesus came into our hearts in the experience 
of Justification. Should you be inclined to deny the theory 
of Justification by faith, as outlined here, you are not in 
position to deny the testimony of the millions since the 
days of Martin Luther who have received the experience 
along the lines outlined. 

Perhaps the experience of Justification is comparable 
to the experience of the condemned man in Sing Sing a 
short time ago. He was condemned to die, and the day of 
execution was rapidly approaching. The evidence against 
him in the trial had been ovei-whelming. He didn't have a 
loop hole. If I am not mistaken he had already been 
clothed in the death robe and masked. But just in the 
nick of time an order was received from the governor 
staying the sentence — some new evidence had just come 
to light. This new evidence completely cleared the man — 
and he was pardoned and made free again, to return to 
the bosom of his family. And just so, the sinner is con- 
demned to die. There is no way of escape, until Christ's 
suffering for the sinner's guilt is interposed, and the sin- 
ner is freed. 

Exceptions to the Rule. Those who attempt to receive 
the experience of Justification by faith by a mental pro- 
cess, whose only evidence of sincerity is signing a card — 
or being sprinkled with a dip of the finger in a glass of 
water — have never known what blessing they have missed. 
The repentance must spring from the heart, and usually 
not always, the sinner weeps bitter tears before he re- 
ceives the experience. Moreover, when he actually re- 
ceives the experience he is a completely changed man. 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 25 

His neighbors will recognize that he is a Christian even 
before he tells them. But incidentally it ought to be said, 
the sinner who obtains salvation in this definite way 
doesn't hesitate to tell his neighbors about it. 

We recall the young man who left his home church 
and went away to college. His pastor was very solicitous 
about him, fearing that he would fall into company that 
would make light of his religious activities, and urged him 
to be steadfast and hold on to God. At the end of the col- 
lege term the young man returned. His pastor anxiously 
asked him if he had had any difficulty with the young men 
because of his church affiliation. The young man replied, 
"No, I didn't let them know anything about it." That 
young man completely lost the joy of his salvation. 

Christ Forgave Sins Before He Died on the Cross. 
John 6:47 says that "He that beUeveth on me hath ever- 
lasting Ufe." 

"For God so loved the world that he gave his on- 
ly begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him 
should not perish, but have everlasting life." 
John 3:16. 

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting 
life." John 3:36. 

Speaking to the seventy whom he had sent 
forth, Jesus said upon their return: "Rejoice, be- 
cause your names are written in heaven." Luke 
10:20. 

"But that ye may know that the Son of man 
hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said 
unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, arise, 
and take up thy couch, and go into thine 
house." Luke 5:24. 
"Her sins, which are many, are forgiven." Luke 7:47. 



26 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

The passages above show, without leaving the shad- 
ow of a doubt, that Christ forgave sins before His crucifix- 
ion. He had "power upon earth to forgive sins." It is also 
evident that not only the Twelve, but the Seventy also, be- 
lieved on Christ, and they that believe on Christ have 
everlasting life. 

However, it is not to be presumed that Christ's suf- 
fering and death do not have a part in this. Jesus was a 
"Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." It was all 
in the Plan of Salvation. But Jesus did forgive sins be- 
fore His death. Those whose sins were forgiven, were 
justified by faith in Christ. 

"And almost all things are by the law purged with 
blood; and without shedding of blood is no remis- 
sion." Hebrews 9:22. 

This is often quoted to deny that Christ could for- 
give sins on earth, and that His blood was shed in order 
that He might forgive sins. But reading that verse only 
as well as its connection in the passage, you can see im- 
mediately that this refers specifically to "under the law." 
However, all Christendom recognizes that Christ died on 
the cross because of our sins, and to take away the sin of 
the people. 

But when the sinner has been "Justified by Faith" 
has he received all of God's Blessing? Verily, NO. Let us 
consider the next great step — Sanctification. 



Sandlification 

"This is the will of God, even your Sanctification." 

I once heard of a pious lady in a Holiness church who 
became discouraged because the Holiness church was per- 
secuted so much more than a neighboring church, the 
main Sunday morning sermon of which was something to 
prove that you "Can't be sanctified." During this time of 
discouragement she had a very significant dream. It seemed 
that her eyes were opened so that she could see the demon 
spirits in the world that were fighting against the power of 
God. At the front door of the Holiness church, where Sanc- 
tification was being preached, there was a score of demons 
working like bees. At the door of the church some dis- 
tance away where sermons were being preached agahist 
Holiness and Sanctification, there was one demon there — 
lying at the church door, sleeping soundly. There was no 
call for activity by the evil spirits at the place where the 
power of the Blood of Christ was being disparaged. 

And ceitainly that is the case in every community. 
Where the sanctifying power of the blood of Christ is held 
forth, the power of the devil rages mightily in opposition. 
The devil simply cannot pass the Blood of Christ. It is a 
wall that stands between the saint and his sin and sinning. 

Let us examine some prominent passages of Scrip- 
ture that definitely set forth Sanctification, as a Bible 



28 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

doctrine, an attainable experience, and expressly pro- 
vided for by Jesus Christ Himself: 

**For this is the will of God, even your SANCTI- 
FICATION." 1 Thes. 4:3. 

"Follow peace with all men, and HOLINESS, 
without which no man shall see the Lord." 
Hebrews 12:14. 

"Wherefore Jesus also, that he might SANCTIFY 
the people with his own blood, suffered without 
the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him with- 
out the camp, bearing his reproach." Hebrews 13: 
12, 13. 

"SANCTIFY them through thy truth: thy word 
is truth." John 17:17. 

"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also 
loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he 
might SANCTIFY and cleanse it v/ith the washing 
of water by the word, that he might present it to 
himself a glorious church, not having spot, or 
wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be 
HOLY and without blemish." Ephesians 5:25-27. 
"For I will take you from among the heathen, 
and gather you out of all countries, and will 
bring you into your own land. THEN WILL I 
SPRINKLE CLEAN WATER upon you, and ye 
shall be clean : from all your filthiness, and from 
all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also 
will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within 
you: and I will take away the stony heart out of 
your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh." 
Ezekiel 36:24-26. 

. "And the very God of peace SANCTIFY YOU 
WHOLLY; and I pray God your whole spirit and 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 29 

soul and body be preserved blameless unto the 
coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thes. 5:23, 24. 
"Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, 
saluteth you, always laboring fervently for you 
in prayers, that ye may stand PERFECT AND 
COMPLETE IN ALL THE WILL OF GOD." Col. 
4:12. 

"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, 
let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the 
flesh and spirit, PERFECTING HOLINESS IN 
THE FEAR OF GOD." 2 Cor. 7:1. 

"Ye are witnesses, and God also, how HOLILY 
and justly and unblameably we have behaved our- 
selves among you that believe.** 1 Thes. 2:10. 
"Being then made FREE FROM SIN, ye became 
the servants of righteousness." Romans 6:18. 
"And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and 
he hfted up his hands, and blessed them." Luke 
24:50. 

All these Scriptures practically explain themselves, 
but perhaps it will aid to point out in an orderly way the 
things that these references do teach: 

(1) We understand Sanctification to be, in Its 
regularly accepted sense in the Enghsh language 
— A Cleansing, a Setting apart; a Consecration. 
But perhaps we think of it more often as the Ex- 
perience of Cleansing. We are safe in assuming 
that Sanctification is faithfully translated from 
the original. 

(2) That Sanctification is the will of God. 

(3) That without sanctification we shall not see 
the Lord. 



30 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

(4) That Jesus died on the cross for our Sancti- 
fication, whicli is alone ample evidence that we 
can be sanctified. 

(5) That there is going to be a church of sancti- 
fied people for Christ to present to Himself. 

(6) Paul indicates definitely that a life of perfec- 
tion and sanctification can be attained in this 
life. He declares that he himself lived "hollly and 
unblameably." 

(7) Jesus prayed that the people might be sanc- 
tified. Will His prayer be answered? 

(8) Sanctification implies a life without sin — a 
fife of holiness. (This feature is discussed at 
length further on in this book.) 

(9) Sanctification is a second experience, subse- 
quent to Justification. First the sins of the sinner 
are pardoned — and then his soul is purified. This 
is the logical sequence. 

(10) It requires a complete consecration, a set- 
ting apart, in order to attain the experience of 
sanctification. 

(11) Sanctification consists in taking out of the 
man the very nature of sin. It takes out the 
"prone to wander" nature, the "Old Man," the 
carnal mind. 

In the four references which follow we have a de- 
scription of what the carnal mind is. The nature that comes 
into man to make him sin — that is the seed of sin resulting 
from Adam's fall. Yes, even that carnal nature, the Old 
Man, can be taken away by the crucifixion of Christ on 
the Cross. 

"Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with 
him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 31 

henceforth we should not serve sin." Romans 6:6. 
*'Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put 
off the old man with his deeds; And have put on 
the new man, which is renewed in knowledge 
after the image of him that created him." 
Col. 3:9, 10. 

"Because the carnal mind is enmity against God.** 
Rom. 8:7. 

**And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as un- 
to spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto 
babes in Christ." 1 Cor. 3:1. 
Brief Discussions of the Various Phases of Sanctification 

There are many criminals who have come into peni- 
tentiaries, and after having sensed portion of sentences 
have been freed, and forthwith went back and committed 
the same crimes again. Criminologists assure us that al- 
though they were pardoned that pardon did not take the 
criminal nature out of them. 

Just so with the pardon which Christ writes upon our 
souls at Justification. The guilt for those sins which we 
have committed has been borne by Christ Himself. But 
there yet remains within the man, who has accepted 
Christ as his Savior, a "Root of bitterness.** Christ in 
praying for the apostles who l;ad followed with Him 
for three years said: ^'Sanctify them through thy 
truth.** Even though they had believed on the Lord Jesus 
Christ — they yet needed to be sanctified. 

Should you ask me just when they were sanctified I 
would suggest the possibility that they were sanctified 
after the Resurrection of Christ when He led them out as 
far as Bethany, and lifted up His hands and blessed them. 
They departed with great joy — and we find Peter with . a 



32 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

disposition altogether different afterward. He doesn't at- 
tempt to cut off any body's ears, and he doesn't deny the 
Lord anymore. 

Let Us Note the Type of Salvation in the Mosaic Law. 
The sins of the people — their actual transgressions — were 
laid upon the head of the scapegoat^ — and the scapegoat 
was led away into the wilderness. Whereas, after their sins 
were thus disposed of, there was a sacrifice for SIN, which 
consisted of the killing of the beasts and sprinkling their 
blood upon the altar and burning their bodies outside the 
camp. We are taught in the quotations given from the 
Scriptures that Christ suffered without the gate for our 
sanctifi cation. We are also told that "Jesus had power on 
earth to forgive sins." We are told that the types and 
shadows of the Old Law point to the fuller work of Grace 
in the new dispensation. 

There was once a sainted brother who had an uncon- 
trollable inclination to shout. Everything that came under 
his observation gave him occasion to praise the Lord. He 
visited his pastor's study quite frequently, and if he began 
to read the Bible he w^as sure to begin praising the Lord 
foith\Vith. On one occasion, when the pastor particularly 
hoped that he would not disturb him by shouting he gave 
the man a book on geology — a dry, technical, statistical, 
scholarly, and otherwise heavy book treating of the forma- 
tion of the earth, the land and Vv^ater. Suddenly the digni- 
fied pastor heard the brother shouting. Running into the 
reception room where the brother was he found him por- 
ing over the book, tears of gratitude streaming down his 
face, and the glories fairly rolling from him. "Well, what 
now?" *'0 Parson," he cried, "I see here in this book that 
the bottom of the ocean has never been found in many 
places, and the Bible tells me that my sins have been cast 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES dd 

into the depths of the sea to be remembered against me no 
more!" 

Under the law the sins were taken into the wilderness 
— under grace they are cast into the depths of the sea. 
But just the same as under the law the work of salvation 
was not complete with taking the scapegoat into the wil- 
derness bearing the sins of the people — so is Salvation un- 
der Grace not complete with casting the sins into the depths 
of the sea. Under the law there had to be a sacrifice for 
SIN, the blood had to cleanse the people. Under Grace, the 
one whose sins have been taken away, must be sanctified 
— made holy, to be acceptable in the sight of God after his 
sins have been taken away. 

The Time to be Sanctified. Sanctification may take 
place, and frequently does, immediately after conversion. 
Theoretically the conversion would take place In one in- 
stant and Sanctification in the next instant. But it could 

not take place in the reverse order in the very nature of 
things, for as long as the fruits of an evil nature are in 
the man, the evil nature itself is there. 

The Babes in Christ. In 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, St. Paul 
points out definitely that some of them who were "breth- 
ren" were carnally minded. They were brethren and yet 
carnally minded. And to be carnally minded is death. 
These babes in Christ are evidently brethren who 
were converted, their sins had been forgiven, but the car- 
nal nature had not yet been taken out. 

Let us call some Good Men on the Witness Stand. As 
pointed out in the first pages of this book one of the best 
ways, if not the veiy best, to establish a doctrine of Scrip- 
ture, or any chapter or any verse is to give it the rigid prac- 
tical test — try it out. 

The doctrine of entire Sanctification as a definite ex- 



84 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

perience subsequent to conversion (Justification, Regener- 
ation) , has been proven by millions of people. John Wesley 
himself the greatest exponent of entire sanctiflcation as 
a definite experience of these last days, testifies that he was 
sanctified. 

Charles G. Finney, in a book which I have before 
me now as I pen these lines, devotes no less than seventy- 
nine pages to proving by undeniable logic, and quoted 
Scripture that Sanctiflcation is attainable in this life sub- 
sequent to Justification. 

There are two men who were second to none of their 
time in manifestations of the power of Almighty God, 
both in their own lives and in bringing others into the fold 
of Christ. I have a great deal more confidence in the doc- 
trine that gets results than in the other kind. 

Ample Evidence in the World Today. The most plausi- 
ble evidence that can be presented to prove by actual ob- 
servation that people can be sanctified in this life is that 
there are hundreds of thousands in the United States to- 
day who will take the witness stand and solemnly affirm 
that they were sanctified, and can give you the day arid 
the hour when the blessing came. If one of these people 
were a witness of an automobile accident in which you 
were a victim, you would take their oath as evidence on 
the witness stand. Then are you not quite as safe in taking 
their word on this matter of sanctiflcation? 

Backfiring. It is extremely Interesting in connection 
with the doctrine of Sanctiflcation to note that all who 
view the situation from an unbiased standpoint find that 
EVERY CHURCH AND EVERY DENOMINATION OR 
CONGREGATION who preach that Sanctification is not 
attainable, practice what they preach. However sincere 
they may be in their convictions, they have not taken the 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES S5 

time to put the promises of sanctificatioii to the test, and 
have thus deprived themselves of great blessings, that we 
heartily ^ish they could enjoy. 

A Bit of History. We are told in 2 Thessalonians that 
there was to be a "Falling Away." This prophecy was liter- 
ally fulfilled. The power of Almighty God was manifest in 
the early church with declining power until about 300 A. D. 
In the dark ages which followed from 500 until 1600 the 
light of the Gospel as it is in Christ Jesus was nearly, if 
not altogether, extinguished by superstition, evil, selfish- 
ness, greed, and every sin born of the ingenuity of man 
and devils. 

But with Martin Luther we have the first great return 
to the Old Paths— beginning with JUSTIFICATION BY 
FAITH. God's blessings were upon the people, and the 
great theme was JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH. There was 
little talk of any other blessing. 

Nearly two hundred years later in the 18tli Century 
came John Wesley, and his associates. They taught Justi- 
fication by Faith as strongly as did Luther, but they found 
also another great blessing, SANCTIFICATION. We always 
link the name of John Wesley with HOLINESS and CHRIS- 
TIAN PERFECTION. In this manner two great and won- 
derful steps have been taken toward getting back to the 
Old Paths, Old Time Power, and practicing and preaching 
Justification by Faith, and a ''Life Set Apart for God" — 
a Sanctifi.ed Life. 

But even so, with all of Martin Luther's great ministry, 
as well as that of his associates; And that of John Wesley 
and his associates; and even in the ministry of Charles G. 
Finney, we do not find what we could call a Pentecost. 
True, there are instances in every era of church history, 
even during the dark ages, when one or two people would 



S6 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

have manifestations of the power of God just the same as 
the day of Pentecost. We are told that Charles G. Finney 
spoke in tongues under the power of God, when he received 
his wonderful baptism and call to preach the gospel. But 
there was not a real Pentecost in the ministry of either of 
these. 

Now the time has come^ — ^it is already here for more 
than fifteen years, when God's holy people are receiving a 
third definite experience— THE BAPTISM WITH THE HO- 
LY SPIRIT, to which let us now turn rejoicing, for "This 
is that which was spoken of by the prophet Joel." 



e^ 



The Baptism With the 
Holy Gho^ 

"For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and 
to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our 
God shall call/' 

All Bible readers are familiar with the many passages 
that refer to the Baptism with the Holy Ghost, the Promise 
of the Father. But it will be well at this place to set down 
these passages in logical sequence for the purpose of giv- 
ing them orderly study and consideration. 

The Promise of the Holy Ghost 

"I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: 
but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, 
whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall 
baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire." 
Matthew 3:11. (These words were said by John 
the Baptist. Also see corroborations of this testi- 
mony in Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16, and John 1:33.) 
"Receive ye the Holy Ghost." John 20:22. 
"And, behold, I send the promise of my Father up- 
on you : but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until 
ye be endued with power from on high.'* Luke 24; 
49, 



88 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy 
Ghost is come upon you." Acts 1:8. 

Instances of the Outpouring" of the 
Holy Spirit 

"Now when all the people were baptized, it came 
to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and pray- 
ing, the heaven was opened, And the Holy Ghost 
descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, 
AND A VOICE CAME FROM HEAVEN, which 
said. Thou art my beloved son; in thee I am well 
pleased." Luke 3:21, 22. 

"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, 
they were all with one accord in one place. And 
suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a 
rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house 
where they were sitting. And there appeared un- 
to them cloven tongues Hke as of fire, and it sat 
upon each of them. And they were all filled with 
the Holy Ghost, AND BEGAN TO SPEAK WITH 
OTHER TONGUES AS THE SPIRIT GAVE 
THEM UTTERANCE." Acts 2:1-4. 
"Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem 
heard that Samaria had received the word of God, 
they sent unto them Peter and John: who, when 
they were come down, prayed for them, that 
they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet 
he was fallen upon none of them : only they were 
baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then 
laid they their hands on them, and they received 
the Holy Ghost. AND WHEN SIMON SAW THAT 
THROUGH LAYING ON OF THE APOSTLES' 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 89 

HANDS THE HOLY GHOST WAS GIVEN .** 

Acts 8:14-18. 

"While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy 
Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And 
they of the cu'cumcision which believed were as- 
tonished, as many as came with Peter, because 
that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift 
of the Holy Ghost. FOR THEY HEARD THEM 
SPEAK WITH TONGUES AND MAGNIFY GOD." 
Acts 10:44-46. 

"He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy 
Ghost SINCE YE BELIEVED? And they said un- 
to him. We have not so much as heard whether 
there be any Holy Ghost * * * And when Paul had 
laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came 
on them; and THEY SPAI^ WITH TONGUES, 
AND PROPHESIED." Acts 19:2, 6. 

Let us Consider these Scripture References 
We are all agreed that the Holy Spirit was promised. 
John 7:39 points out that the "Holy Ghost was not yet 
given." Moreover, Jesus said in the 14th chapter of St. 
John that "It is expedient that I go away. For if I go not 
away the Comforter will not come." Also, "He shall take 
of mine and shall shew it unto you." "He ^ill guide you 
into all truth." "AND WHEN HE COMES HE WILL TES- 
TIFY." John 15:26, 27. All this was said long before the 
Day of Pentecost. 

Then we find about one hundred and twenty saints 
in the upper room at Jerusalem, including the Twelve 
Apostles, and Mary, the mother of Jesus. These were con- 
tinually blessing and praising God. Then we have the first 
outpouring of the Holy Ghost, who was promised. 

The Holy Ghost gives **Power from on High." Jesus 



40 THE BOOK OP DOCTRINES 

told the Apostles to go into all the world and preach the 
Gospel, but insisted that they tarry in Jerusalem until they 
were endued with power from on high. 

The Sign that the Holy Ghost has Come. There is 
every reason to believe that all those who receive the Bap- 
tism with the Holy Ghost will speak with tongues. Let us 
study the instances above when the power fell: 

(1) When the Holy Ghost descended upon Jesus 
—THERE CAME A VOICE FROM HEAVEN 
WHICH SAID — "This is my beloved son, in whom 
I am well pleased." 

(2) When the Holy Spirit fell on the day of Pen- 
tecost— THEY ALL SPAKE WITH TONGUES. 

(3) When the Spirit fell at Samaria, with the lay- 
ing on of the hands of the Apostles — SIMON SAW 
THAT THEY HAD RECEIVED THE HOLY 
GHOST. There was some definite, tangible evi- 
dence, by which Simon knew. Healings and other 
miracles had already been performed in Samaria. 
In the other three places in the Acts of the Apostles 
when the Spirit fell, it was accompanied by speak- 
ing with other tongues. There is good indication 
from these facts, that Simon saw from the fact 
that he heard them speak with tongues, that 
they were baptized with the Holy Ghost. 

(4) When the Holy Ghost fell at the house of 
Cornelius, those who had accompanied Peter 
declared that they knew the Gentiles had received 
the Holy Ghost, *'FOR THEY HEARD THEM 
SPEAK WITH TONGLTCS." Acts 10:46. 

(5) At Ephesus (The Acts 19:2, 6) after Paul had 
laid his hands on them, and the Holy Ghost came 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 41 

on them, "THEY SPAKE WITH TONGUES, 

AND PROPHESIED." 

It is certainly a fulfillment of Christ's statement that 
"When the Holy Ghost comes HE will testify.'* But should 
we admit, which we do not, that all do not speak with 
tongues when the Holy Ghost comes upon them, it still re- 
mains that if we do not get the Baptism with the Holy Spir- 
it with the evidence of speaking with other tongues, then 
we do not get the experience that was bestowed in the up- 
per room at Jerusalem, at the House of Cornelius, and at 
Ephesus, to say nothing of Samaria, for they spoke with 
tongues. 

Ingersoll. The story is told that "Bob" Ingersoll, the 
celebrated infidel, was scheduled to deliver a lecture on 
infidelity in a certain western city. The association of 
ministers in the city met and appointed a committee to 
meet him at the train for the purpose of having him can- 
cel his purpose of delivering the lecture. 

The committee met Ingersoll at the train, and the 
spokesman said to him: "Mr. Ingersoll, we do not like to 
have you deliver this lecture on infidelity in our town 
We do not want you to con^upt the youth of our city, and 
otherwise break our faith in God. We respectfully request 
you to remain on this train and go on to your next appoint- 
ment." In response Ingersoll asked the ministers if they BE- 
LIEVED IN JESUS CHRIST. They attested that they did. 
"Then give me your Bible," said Ingersoll. And taking it he 
said, "If you can prove that you believe in God and His Son 
Jesus Christ, I will re-board this train, and will not lecture 
in your town tonight." Opening to the 16th Chapter of St. 
Mark he read: 

"Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel. 

And he that believeth and is baptized shall be 



42 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

saved. But he that believeth not shall be damned. • 
And these signs shall follow them that believe: 

(1) "In my name shall they cast out devils." 

(2) "They shall speak with new tongues." 

(3) "They shall take up serpents." 

(4) "And if they drink any deadly thing it shall not 
hurt them." 

(5) "They shall lay hands on the sick and they 
shall recover." 

"Do these signs follow YOU?" he asked confidently. 

The ministers were taken terribly aback. They in- 
sisted that they believed on Christ, but they didn't dare 
say that these signs followed them. FOR THEY DID NOT. 
They tangled themselves trying to find a way out of their 
dilemma. Hopeless confusion vv^as written on their faces 
as Ingersoll laconically replied: 

"I will lecture at the appointed hour tonight," and left 
them to their own meditations. 

Another instance, that occurred in my own experience, 
presents itself in this same connection. I was in Memphis, 
Tennessee in 1913, visiting at the home of a faithful broth- 
er, who was a manager of a "B Cash Store." The 

B stores were owned by Mr. B , and formed a 

chain completely covering the city. Mr. B was a mil- 
lionaire, having made all his money by selling groceries for 
cash. He was as able a business man as could be found in 
the South. This brother whom I v/as visiting, asked Mr. 
one day why it was that he didn't believe much in 

religion apparently, and seldom if ever went to church. 

Mr. B ^replied in about these words: 

"The reason I don't go to church is that I don't 
find any church that is having the signs follow 
them, as are given in the New Testament. It 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 43 

doesn't appear that the churches themselveB be- 
lieve. When I find a church that does have the 
signs folio whig, I'll go with that church." 
Many Signs and Wonders Attend the Baptism With 
the Holy Ghost. Those who received the Baptism with 
Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost acted like drunken 
men. So much so, that Peter took pains to explain that 
they were not drunken. (Acts 2:15.) 

There are also Gifts of the Holy Spirit. We find them 
in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10. 

(1) The Word of Wisdom. 

(2) The Word of Knowledge. 

(3) Faith. 

(4) Gifts of Healing. 

(5) Working of Mlracleg. 

(6) Prophecy. 

(7) Discerning of Spirits. 

(8) Divers Kinds of Tongues. 

(9) Interpretation of Tongues. 

"But all these worketh that one and the selfsame 
Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will." 1 Cor. 12: 
11. (We shall learn more of the Gifts of the Spirit in a 
later chapter.) 

Although these nine great gifts are bestowed by the 
Holy Ghost, yet we do not find any mention of them being 
bestowed on the occasions above when the Holy Ghost was 
poured out in Baptism. They spoke mth tongues as the 
Spirit gave utterance. 

We do find that the Apostles went forth healing the 
sick and casting out devils long before they received the 
Baptism with the Holy Spirit. 

"And they departed, and went through the 

towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every 

where." Luke 9:6. 



44 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

But even though they had actually gone forth with 
this much power Jesus told them to tarry for the Baptism 
with the Holy Ghost. Yes, even the Seventy that were sent 
forth were given every sign that was to follow the believers, 
EXCEPT THE SPEAKING IN TONGUES— (See Luke 10: 
1-20, especially verses 9, 17, and 19.) YET THEY DID NOT 
HAVE THE BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY GHOST— FOR 
THE HOLY GHOST WAS NOT YET GIVEN. (John 7:39.) 

If Peter, James and John, and St. Paul, and all the 
other apostles — if even Holy Mary, the mother of Jesus, 
needed the Baptism with the Holy Ghost, Jesus even in- 
sisting that they do not go forth to preach until they were 

"Endued with Power from on high" HOW MUCH 

MORE DO WE NEED THE BAPTISM! And if they spoke 
in tongues when the Holy Ghost fell, why shouldn't we? 
Are we better than they? If they healed people, and cast 
out devils, and had power to tread on serpents — and still 
recognized that they did not have the Baptism with the 
Holy Ghost and went up to Jerusalem and tarried for it, 
then why should you and I hesitate? They had every 
manifestation of the Spirit except speaking in tongues be- 
fore the day of Pentecost. 

Enough Said. In this discussion of speaking in 
Tongues as the evidence of the incoming of the Holy Ghost, 
I believe every question has been answered that unbeliev- 
ers are accustomed to raisCo It is not the purpose of this 
book to answer questions of mere theory. For example we 
give no consideration to the theory offered by some that the 
signs were just to the Jews, simply because the Bible 
doesn't say anything about it being just for the Jews — but 
immediately after all these signs occurred Peter himself got 
up and said: 

The Promise of the same blessing that we have 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 45 

received here this day — the gift of the Holy 
Ghost just as we received it — ^"is unto you, and 
to your children, and to all that are afar off, even 
as many as the Lord our God shall call." Acts 2: 
38, 39. 

In all probability those who find comfort in saying 
that you receive the Holy Ghost without speaking in 
tongues are trying to find a loophole through which they 
may crawl out without speaking in tongues under the 
power of the Holy Spirit. In this manner they are depriv- 
ing themselves of a great blessing, as the experience of 
multitudes attests. 

A Hundred Thousand Witnesses. As we usher in the 
witnesses to give testimony that people do receive the 
Baptism with the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speak- 
ing in other tongues, and the unbelieving or uninformed 
assert that there are no such Pentecostal manifestations 
today — I am reminded of the man who was placed in Jail 
for an, alleged offense. The prisoner sent for his lawyer 
and explained the nature of the charges against him, to 
which the lawyer replied: "They can't put you in jail for 
that." But the prisoner responded, 'T am already in jail.*' 
We have mentioned in former connections that the 
best method of proving the Scriptures is to put them to 
the test. We are, therefore, placed at great advantage in 
this matter of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost, and we 
are happy in relating briefly just how this Latter Rain 
Baptism with the Holy Ghost fell upon the earth in these 
last days. 

About the years 1904 and 1905 there was a slogan in 
nearly every religious publication, and taken up even by 
the secular press, "PRAY FOR A WORLD WIDE REVIV- 
AL." The whole Protestant world was praying with more 



4& THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

or less earnestness for a world-wide revival. In the city 
of Los Angeles there was a group of saints who for three 
weeks met regularly and tarried, seeking a deeper walk 
with God, and praying in the interests of this world-wide 
revival. And suddenly one day, as they all were waiting be- 
fore the Lord, the Holy Ghost fell upon them and many 
spoke in other tongues as the Spirit gave utterance. 

Now on the other side of the world, -at the faith home 
of Panditti Rammabai in India — who mothered from 
three to five hundred young widows — almost at the same 
time as the outpouring at Los Angeles, there came a sim- 
ilar baptism of the Holy Spirit upon faithful praying girls 
in her home. 

Although there had been no small number of local 
awakenings of a kindred nature in various localities since 
1800, yet they had only been a foretaste of the glorious 
completeness of the Baptism as revealed in April, 1905, in 
Los Angeles. And from these two beginnings the power of 
the Pentecostal Baptism spread with un-heard-of rapidity. 
In all parts of the United States, Canada, Europe, and with- 
in live years there were people baptized with the Holy 
Ghost in nearly every community in the world. On the day 
this is being written it is variously estimated that from 
one to two million people in the world have been baptizedi 
with the Holy Ghost since 1905, with the evidence of 
speaking with other tongues. 

The Best People in the World. At an immense church 
conference, when the subject came up about how many 
from the church were going into the "Pentecostal Move- 
ment," and the so-called "Tongues Movement" — one of 
the delegates ti^jing to whitewash the loss as being neg- 
ligible, said to the greatest minister of the conference: 
"Don't bother about those people who are going into that 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 47 

new doctrine — they are not the kind of people we want 
anyway." "Bud" Robinson replied, as the tears streamed 
from his eyes, "You are mistaken, brother; they are the 
most spiritual people we have." 

"Bud" Robinson's observations were exactly true. The 
great majority of the Holiness people throughout the 
length and breadth of America, readily saw that "This is 
that which was spoken of by the Prophet Joel" — as Peter 
said at the beginning, and began to tarry in the "upper 
room" for the Baptism with the Holy Ghost. The doctrine 
that swept around the world with such power was: 

(1) Be converted — regenerated — that your sins may 
be blotted out. 

(2) Be sanctified wholly— for the Holy Spirit will 
not dwell in an unclean temple. 

(3) Be baptized with the Holy Ghost — with the Bi- 
ble Evidence of speaking with other tongues, as in Acts 2 :4. 

This doctrine is still going. I can give you the names 
and addresses of 1316 who were baptized with the Holy 
Ghost with the evidence of speaking with other tongues 
in the month of August, 1921. All these got the experience 
as outlined above, and that is sixteen years after the first 
outpouring in Los Angeles. Earnest, serious people in 
nearly every denomination have eagerly tarried for the 
Baptism \sith the Holy Ghost. Multitudes of Roman 
Catholics have tarried for the Baptism. At a recent Reviv- 
al Meeting in the City of Brooklyn, New York, more than 
half of the entire number who received the Baptism and 
spoke with tongues were Roman Catholics. 

We have veiy definitely in the foregoing discussions 
first shown the Baptism with the Holy Ghost from a Bible 
standpoint. We have then presented the testimony of a 



48 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

million and more who have received the Baptism as out- 
lined. WHAT MORE NEED WE SAY? 

But some people are like doubting Thomas — they 
won't believe that these things are taking place unless 
they see it. I wish they would all encounter some of the 
striking experiences that I call to mind faster and more 
plentifully than I can offer in this book. 

A few nights ago a man came to the usher at the door 
of the Church of God in Brooklyn, New York. He began to 
explain that the Baptism with the Holy Ghost was all 
right, but that we were not to receive it. "But, brother," re- 
plied the usher, "we already have it, and speak in tongues 
as the Spirit gives utterance." At that very moment as if 
by prearrangement, which it was not, the minister who 
was preaching suddenly began to speak with tongues, to 
the discomfiture of the man who was trying to explain it 
aw^ay. 

Those who speak with tongues under the power of 
God would be congratulated, if they had gone to school and 
learned to speak in foreign languages., John Adams was 
famous as a great linguist — he could speak in twenty-six 
foreign languages. We bow to his great ability. You 
wouldn't have understood probably more than one of them 
— but you would have taken it for granted that he spoke 
in twenty-six languages. I went to school and learned five 
foreign languages — and friends often congratulated me on 
knowing them. I got the Baptism with the Holy Spirit, and 
talked in many more than five different languages under 
the Power of the Holy Ghost — and the same friends looked 
at me ashamed. They say they are not languages. 

But wait — let him that will sit in judgment and say 
that they are not languages first learn the 7000 languages 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 49 

that are spoken on the face of the earth — and then pass 
judgment — but not until then. 

As a matter of fact we have thousands of instances 
of people speaking in a foreign language under the 
Power of the Holy Spirit, when people who were pres- 
ent understood what they were saying. A few days ago, 
a Godly woman, highly respected and revered for her 
piety, sought the Baptism with the Holy Ghost. She knew 
only the English language. When she got the Baptism she 
spoke in the German language, and there were at least 
six people present who bore witness that she spoke in 
German and told us what she said. I was present myself 
on this occasion. In the Faith Home in India where the 
Holy Spirit fell in 1905, English speaking missionaries who 
were present heard the girls of India speak in beautiful 
English the glories of Jesus our Savior, when they received 
the Holy Spirit. 

It is also noteworthy, and of special interest to think- 
ing Christians, that in all cases where foreigners are pres- 
ent and understand a person speaking in their own lan- 
guage under the Power of the Holy Spirit, it is always of Je- 
sus. Did Jesus not say, "He shall receive of mine and shall 
shew it unto you?" John 16:13, 14. 

But even though you tell some self-satisfied people of 
this great blessing, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, you 
will find many a one like the old mountaineer, back in the 
days when railroads and locomotives were new. He lived 
far up in the mountains, well satisfied with his horse, his 
mule and his yoke of oxen. But one day a neighbor told 
him how a locomotive, without horse, mule or oxen, was 
going to come up through that country on a railroad that 
was being built. 

"I-t c-a-n-'t b-e d-o-n-e," drawled out the old skeptic 



60 TOB3 BOOK 01* DOCTRINES 

of tlie mountains, who had not seen a locomotive. He was 
a doubting Thomas. 

But the day came when the train was to make its first 
run through a httle village far down In the valley. His 
friend persuaded him to go down and see it for himself. 
Arriving at the newly built track, and seeing the two lines 
of shining rails that turned in from a sharp curv^ through 
a cut and opened suddenly into the village, the old man 
looked down the track, and said: 

"They'll n-e-v-e-r run a train on that." 

But there was a rumbling back over the hills, the 
shriek of the engine reverberated through the coves and 
mountain sides — something certainly was coming. A mo- 
ment later it emerged from the cut, slowed down and came 
to a dead stop at the station — the old man looking on 
dumbfounded by what he had seen. 

But he was still a skeptic. Turning to his friend he 
said in his old mountaineer brogue: 

"Well, they got 'er here; but they'll n-e-v-e-r get it 
started again!" 

But, "All Aboard," called the conductor. One tug at 
the throttle, a hissing of steam, deep puffs, and the engine 
with its train of cars was off down the track. But still 
skeptic — ^he could hardly believe his own eyes — the old 
man of the mountains exclaimed as the rear car disap- 
peared around the curve: 

"Boys, they'll n-e-v-e-r get it stopped." 

And that is true of the great Pentecostal wave that 
has swept the world. It has seemed impossible to some. 
But oh, if they could only feel that blessing that some of 
us have received, and the glory, and the power — they too 
would tarry in the upper room until they ^eee endifed 
with Power from on High, 



THE BOOK OF D0CTRINE2S SI 

Some of our brethren, honest and sincere, assure us 
that they received the Spirit of the Lord at Conversion, or 
at the time they were Sanctified. No doubt tliey did re- 
ceive the Spirit of tlie Lord in great measure. But cer- 
tainly not the Baptism with the Holy Ghost. For Jesus 
KQmself said to His Apostles as they were talking confi- 
dentially: 

"If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I 
will pray the Father, and he will give you another 
Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; 
Even the Spirit of truth: whom the world cannot 
receive, because it seeth him not, neither know- 
eth him: but ye know him; FOR HE DWELLr- 
ETH WITH YOU, AND SHALL BE IN YOU." 
John 14:15, 16, 17. 

The Spirit of the Lord is with the converted one, the 
sanctified one, surely and by all means; is He not in some 
measure with the sinner, for we are assured that no one 
can come to the Father except the Holy Spirit draw him? 
But the experience that the one hundred and twenty re- 
ceived on the day of Pentecost — that is the Baptism with 
the Holy Ghost, and it is promised unto you and your 
children, and all that are afar off, even as many as the 
Lord our God shall call! Let us give thanlvs to God! 
THE THREE GREAT EXPERIENCES 
REGENP]RATION (JUSTIFICATION) 
SANCTIFICATION 
THE BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY GHOST. 
These are fundamental. Follow^ the Lord in these ex- 
periences, and the rest of your life will take care of itself. 
But there are many blessed ordinances and practices in 
connection with living a Christian Life, and it is to them 
that we now wish to turn. 



The Ordinances of the 

Lord 

"For if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For 
so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abun- 
dantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord 
and Savior Jesus Christ." 

Baptism in Water 

Let us first set down before us the Scripture Refer- 
ences on Water Baptism: 

"Then went out to him (John the Baptist) Jeru- 
salem, and all Judea, and all the region round 
about Jordan, and were baptized of him IN JOR- 
DAN, confessing their sins." Matt. 3:5, 6. 
"I indeed have baptized you with water: but he 
shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. And it 
came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from 
Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John IN 
JORDAN. AND STRAIGHTWAY COMING UP 
OUT OF THE WATER * * * *." Mark 1:8, 9, 10. 
"And the eunuch said, See, here is water; what 
doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said. 
If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. 
And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus 



THE BOOlC OF DOCTRINES 63 

Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the 
chariot to stand still: and they went down both 
into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he 
baptized him. And when they were come up out of 
the water * * *." Acts 8:36-39. 
*'He that beheveth and is baptized shall be saved; 
but he that believeth not shall be damned." Mark 
16:16. 

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing 
them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, 
and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe 
all things whatsoever I have commanded you: 
and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end 
of the world. Amen." Matt. 28 : 19, 20. 

"After these things came Jesus and his disciplea 
into the land of Judea; and there he tarried with 
them, and baptized. And John also was baptizing 
in ^non near to Salim, because there was much 
water there." John 3:22, 23. 

"When therefore the Lord knew how the Phari- 
sees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more 
disciples than John, (though Jesus himself bap- 
tized not, but his disciples.)" John 4:1, 2. 

"Then Peter said unto them. Repent, and be bap- 
tized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ 
for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the 
gift of the Holy Ghost. ***** Then they that 
gladly received his word were baptized: and the 
same day there were added unto them about three 
thousand souls." Acts 2:38, 41. 
"But when they believed Philip preaching the 
things concerning the kingdom of God, and the 



S4 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized both 
men and women." Acts 8:12. 
"(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: on- 
ly they were baptized in the name of the Lord Je- 
sus.)" Acts 8:16. 

"And immediately there fell from his eyes as it 
had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, 
and rose, and was baptized." Acts 9:18. 
"Can any man forbid water, that these should 
not be baptized, which have received the Holy 
Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them 
to be baptized in the name of the Lord." Acts 10: 
47, 48. 

"And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of 
purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped 
God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that 
she attended unto the things which were spoken 
of Paul. And when she was baptized * * *." Acts 
16:14, 15. 

"And he took them the same hour of the night, 
and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he 
and all his, straightway." Acts 16:33. 
"And many of the Corinthians hearing believed, 
and were baptized." Acts 18:8. 
"And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye 
baptized? And they said, unto John's baptism. 
Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the 
baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, 
that they should believe on him which should 
come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When 
they heard this, they were baptized in the name 
of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his 
hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; 



TUB BOOK OF DOCTRINES SB 

and they spake with tongues and prophesied." 
Acts 19:3-6. \ 

"And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be bap- 
tized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name 
of the Lord." Acts 22:16. 

"Know ye not, that so many of us as w^ere bap- 
tized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his 
death?*** that like as Christ was raised up from 
the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we 
should walk in newness of life." Romans 6 :3, 4. 
"For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one 
body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether 
we be bond or free; and have been all made to 
drink into one Spirit." 1 Cor. 12:13. 
"For as many of you as have been baptized into 
Christ have put on Christ." Gal. 3:27. 
"There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are 
called In one hope of your calling; One Lord, one 
faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, 
who is above all, and through all, and in you all." 
Ephesians 4:4, 5, 6. 

The references concerning water baptism given above 
are complete, as we have been careful to omit none that 
have any additional bearing on the subject in hand. 

To those of us w^ho have no axe to grind, no private 
theorj^ to promote, are just willing to do anything the Bible 
says as soon as we see it in the Bible, the following points 
are brought out in bold and impressive relief: 

1. Baptism, as referred to in connection with 
Water Baptism, with the translation of Dip, or 
Plunge in or under water, is the only translation 
that the word used in the original Greek can have, 
according to standard dictionaries. Jerome, an- 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

cient Father of the Church, says: "We are thrice 
plunged, once in the name of the Father, once in 
the name of the Son, and once in the name of the 
Holy Ghost/' The definition to sprinkle, or pour, 
or any other definition, has been invented and 
adopted as a definition because the practice has 
been authorized by many churches for so long a 
period. 

2. In all three places where the mode of bap- 
tism is described — the first three quotations 
above — it is IN Jordan, "Coming up Out of the 
Water," and "they both went dov/n into the wa- 
ter," and "when they were come up out of the 
water." The description is so plain, and the com- 
mon translation and understanding of the word 
baptism is so definitely immersion, that it leaves 
little room for anything but "Going down into 
the water, and coming up out of the water." 
We find also that John was baptizing where there 
was "Much Water." Now that doesn't sound like 
anything but a place large enough for the cere- 
mony of immersion. In fact, if he were going to 
dip his fingers in a glass and touch the forehead, 
there would surely have been no necessity to go 
down into the Jordan River to do that. 
Baptism by other methods have been adopted on 
the "just as good" theory. It is not so much the 
act as the "being willing to" that counts, accord- 
ing to advocates of other methods. 
After all water baptism is baptism. It is not nec- 
essary to say that it is baptism by immersion. It 
is just BAPTISM. 
3. When to be Baptized. Mark 16:16, quoted 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 57 

above, says **believe" then says be "baptized." 
Naturally, the sinner must believe on the Lord 
Jesus Christ first, else his baptism is in vain. 
Peter said in Acts 2:38, to "Repent, and be bap- 
tized * * * for the remission of sins," pointing 
out that they should then ''receive the Holy 
Ghost." 

At the house of Cornelius (Acts 10:44), the com- 
pany was baptized with the Holy Ghost, and was 
aftei^ward baptized. How^ever, at Ephesus (Acts 
19:5, 6) they were baptized first in water, and 
then received the Holy Ghost. 

From the foregoing it would appear that the one 
who believes on Christ may be baptized any time 
after he believes, even being baptized with the 
Holy Ghost before water baptism. 

However, we find that in each case there was no 
delay about w^ater baptism, after conversion. The 
eunuch (Acts 8:36-39) asked to be baptized im- 
mediately. Peter suggested baptism immediately 
after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It certain- 
ly doesn't pay to delay the matter. "And now why 
tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash 
away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." 
Acts 22:16. 

4. Is it Necessary to be Baptized in Water in Or- 
der to go to Heaven? Let the words of Jesus 
speak for themselves. "If ye love me, keep my 
commandments," He said. Moreover, He told His 
apostles to go forth and teach the world what He 
had taught them, and about the first words out of 
Peter's mouth after the Lord ascended was: 



68 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

"Repent and be baptized for the remission of 

sins.'* 

There are other quotations that point out the necessi- 
ty of being baptized. However, it is conceivable that a per- 
son may go to heaven without being baptized. Let us con- 
sider the thief on the cross, who repented. Opportunity 
was not given him to be baptized. Nevertheless, every one 
who was being saved in those days was getting baptized 
immediately, and it is hardly likely that if he had been 
taken down from the cross, and given opportunity, he 
would have refused to be baptized. The Hght didn't dawn 
upon him until it was too late for him to do this ordinance 
of the Lord. 

The Answering of a Good Conscience toward God. 
"The like figure whereunto even BAPTISM doth also now 
save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but 
the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the 
resurrection of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 3:21. 

Probably no person on earth knows positively why 
the Blessed Savior chose Water Baptism as an essential 
ordinance of Righteousness. But He did, in these words: 

*'And Jesus answering said unto him. Suffer it to 

be so now: for THUS IT BECOMETH US TO 

FULFILL ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS." (Matt. 3:15.) 

But there are many of God's laws that we do not un- 
derstand, and yet we accept them as true. For example, 
God's law of nature has placed the polar bear in the Arctic 
Regions, while the elephant He has placed in the tropical 
regions. We don't know why, but this serves to illustrate to 
us how God's ways are high above our ways, as the heav- 
ens are above the earth. There are ten thousand things we 
do not understand — yet we accept them. 

Just so it is with Water Baptism. It may look like a 



THE BOOK OP DOCTRINES 59 

mere form to some. For example, at Howard Beach on 
Long Island recently, an assembly of bathers watched a 
score or more being baptized in water In the name of the 
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amazement was written 
across their faces, so little did they know of how God 
could bless people that obeyed His word, faithfully, and 
without question. 

In reference to Water Baptism, let us consider that 
throughout the Scriptures, wherever there is reference to 
a conversion there is almost invariably an additional verse 
to tell that the people were baptized. And is Baptism after 
all, not a beautiful ceremony, giving a definite expression to 
our faith? And is it not a beautiful symbol of the washing 
away of our sin by the blood of Christ? And of our death 
to the Old Life — and resurrection into the new? 

"Know ye not, that so many of us as were bap- 
tized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his 
death? Therefore we are buried with him by 
baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised 
up from the dead by the glory of the Father, 
even so we also should walk in newness of life. 
For if we have been planted together in the like- 
ness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness 
of his resurrection." Romans 6:3, 4, 5. 
Clouds of Witnesses. We have blessed comfort 
to read of how faithfully the Christians of old "went down 
into the water and came up out of the water." But we do 
not have to go back two thousand years to prove the bless- 
ing of being baptized in water. There is hardly a stream 
deep enough in the United States of America, but what 
could tell the story of blessing that fell upon souls who were 
plunged into its waters. Yea, and in every community you 



eO THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

can find living witnesses to the blessing of being baptized 
in water. 

In the year 1908 when I myself was baptized 128 went 
down into the water the same day. Without a single ex- 
ception they came up be?tming with the light of God upon 
their faces — and a shout in their hearts, and many broke 
out in praises, even speaking in other tongues as on the 
day of Pentecost, about which we have studied previously. 
There is nothing like obedience to make your soul feel the 
Pentecostal blessing. In fptCt, there have been many instan- 
ces of which I myself have heard v/hen those who followed 
the Lord obediently in water baptism, were baptized with 
the Holy Ghost and began to speak in other tongues as 
they came up out of the water — just as Jesus received the 
Holy Ghost immediately after He was baptized in Jordan. 

Those of our brethren and friends who have been only 
"sprinkled,'* or touched with water on the forehead, while 
no doubt sincere in their devotion, have missed one of the 
greatest blessings of the Christian Life, as millions who 
have ''gone down into the water and come up out of the 
water" will not hesitate to testify. And there is no halfw^ay 
about this water baptism ceremony. "Buried in baptism" 
means completely covered. Many a person, who realizes 
that the minister who does the baptizing failed to "bury'* 
him completely, insists that he be COMPLETELY BURIED 
— so down they go again into the water. It takes a 
complete consecration like that to realize God's very, very 
best. 

No one doubts that the ceremony of "sprinkling," ex- 
acts a certain definite feeling of consecration — how much 
more then a complete baptism, going down into the water 
and coming up out of the w^ater! brother, try it. If you 
have already been sprinkled, and are fairly well satisfied, 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 61 

why not go and be baptized, "Going down into the water, 
and coming up out of tlie water? "Such an act will not be 
validate the sprinkling, if you have faith in that system, 
and you will be by way of sho\sdng yourself faithful, and 
lay yourself open to receive the blessings that millions of 
us can testify to. 

Not long since a young man who had been baptized 
some time previous, attended a baptismal service down at 
the ocean where there was much water. As the candidates 
for baptism were lined up liolding hands, and singing the 
praises of God, just at the beginning of the service, this 
young brother came up to me and exclaimed, "Can't I be 
baptized again? — his soul was so refreshed and blessed by 
the thought of all that his first baptism had meant to him. 

The Methodist Church, whom we usually think of in 
connection with "Sprinkling," are accustomed to giving 
candidates for baptism their choice, either sprinkling, or 
water baptism. The sprinkling is much easier, and by far 
the majonty choose that method. I wish all the Presbyter- 
ians, and the Congregationahsts, and the Methodists, and 
the whole world, could just realize the blessing of being 
baptized IN WATER. 

I go to one of the famous restaurants in New York. I 
get a meal that I remember all the days of my life. The ta- 
ble is amply supphed with spotless linen and handwrought 
silver. The appetizer is a salad that whets the appetite like 
the first look at the big brown turkey wallowing in its own 
gravy on Thanksgiving morning. Then comes a tempting 
soup, and a half lobster -^ith its succulent tenderness wait- 
ing at the side to minister to your joy — and then — and 
then — O revelation of happiness — comes the chauteau- 
briand! And what is a chauteaubriand? Ah, I will tell you. 
The chauteaubriand is a noble piece of flesh three inches in 



4 



62 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

thickness, and so tender that the thumb, when pressed 
against it lightly, is buried in the yielding tissues. Against 
the upper and the lower sides are fastened thin pieces of 
less precious beef, and a bit of butter, and the w^hole is 
then broiled over the coals. The two thin slices are con- 
sumed in the cooking, but their presence has preserved all 
the juices in the great piece. At the end the gi^eat piece is 
lightly browned on each side, and when it is brought to you 
it melts in your mouth. Oh, with potatoes to your liking, 
and a salad lettuce, cress and endive— for every five min- 
utes that I devote to telling about it, I spend two hours 
thinking of it and swallowing hard ! 

And I come to you telling you about that wonderful 

^ meal, and say that you can have It too, as you are going to 

be near that wonderful restaurant. I can almost see you 

fairly licking your lips and rolling your tongue around and 

your mouth watering uncontrollably. 

That is just the way about baptism in water. Oh, if 
you could realize the sweet thoughts of deeper consecra- 
tion and devotion as you go down into the water, perhaps 
x/ with a little burden, and prayer. And the faithful minister 
taking you by the hand leads you down where there is 
water deep enough, and lifts his hands toward heaven and 
says: 

"In obedience to the command of our Lord and 
Savior Jesus Christ, I baptize you, my brother, in 
the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of 
the Holy Ghost. Am.en!" 

And down, down you go, buried with Christ in bap- 
tism, but as surely you rise again, the light falls full upon 
your face. The feeling of consecration iB complete, and 
instead of the hesitant, just a little burdened and down- 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 03 

cast step, all the world seems clothed in the brightness of 
the sun, the faxes of the Christians shine as the firmament, 
sparkling with the fire of God's Love, for they realize just 
how you feel — and all seems happiness, you are light as a 
feather — you have been buried with Christ in baptism in 
the symbol, and you have risen in newness of life. And 
about all you can say, is "Glory to God in the highest.'* 
What a shout there must have been on the banks of the 
Jordan when John was baptizing there, and the disciples 
of Jesus also! 

I tell you about this, and how I wish you would prove 
this for yourself. It is not necessary to take my word for 
it or that of the millions of others who have had the same 
experience. Why not take the matter like the Eunuch did, 
when Philip pointed out to him the blessings of Salvation, 
and the necessity for water baptism — he immediately sug- 
gested. **See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be 
baptized?" If you haven't been baptized in water, and you 
believe on the Lord Jesus Christ in your heart, and confess 
him with your mouth, look around now for water, and get 
a minister like Philip who was full of the Holy Ghost, and 
a sk the minister what hindereth that you be baptized. 

The witnesses are unanimous in their testimony that 
they received a blessing by being baptized in water. You 
are taking no chances, no risk whatever; you have every- 
thing to gain, and nothing to lose. 

Infant Baptism. There is no mention in the Scriptures 
of infant baptism. It would therefore not seem essential. 
Perhaps one reason why it is not mentioned is because it 
would be quite impossible for an infant to "go into the wa- 
ter and come up out of the water." However, there is cer- 
tainly nothing to be lost by consecrating an infant to 
Chiist, in a definite ceremony, that fixes the minds of the 



64 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

parents upon the consecration of the infant to Christ. And 
if this includes touching its forehead with water, it certain- 
ly can do no hurt. 

But it should be remembered that this does not tak« 
the place of water baptism after the child has reached the 
years of accountability, when it is able to grasp the truths 
of the gospel and to believe in its heart the words of the 
Lord Jesus, and to confess Him with the mouth — and then 
be baptized. For the command to repent and be baptized is 
made to all people, and that certainly includes the children 
who come to the years of accountability. 

Baptism for the Dead. This is mentioned by early 
church writers, and it appears to have been practiced to 
some extent. We have reference to it in 1 Corinthians 15: 
29, in Paul's teaching concerning the resurrection. 

The Good Form for a Baptismal Service 

1. Singing is always in order at a baptismal service. 

2. Scripture reading, prayer, and usually a preaching ser- 
vice, is appropriate before the Baptismal service itself, 
bringing the doctrine of water baptism before the peo- 
ple. 

3. Some congregations have specially prepared robes for 
the baptismal services for both men and women. II 
these are not obtainable it is quite as satisfactory for 
the men to wear their regular clothes, usually a suit 
quite worn; and the women frequently add a pleasant 
appearance by all dressing in white. Should they dress 
in w^hite, they should wear an underskirt of heavy ma- 
terial so that when wet it will not cling to them in 
such a way as to embarrass them. 

4. If the service is out doors, it is often made extremely 
picturesque and blessed, to have the group of candi- 



THE BOOK OP DOCTRINES 65 

dates for baptism form in line and take each other's 
hands and march together into the water. 

5. Various forms are used by ministers of the gospel in 

administering water baptism. Some ministers ask each 
candidate to reaffirm his faith in Christ and then bap- 
tize him. Othei^ accept them as believers, as they 
stand, else they would not have gone to the trouble of 
preparing for the baptismal sei-vice. Two representa- 
tive forms used by our ministers as they stand ready to 
plunge the candidate under the water are: 
"In obedience to the command of our Lord and Sav- 
ior Jesus Christ, I now baptize you, my brother, in 
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Ho- 
ly Ghost. Amen." 

•'Upon your confession of faith in the Lord Jesus 
Christ, I now baptize you, Brother Davis, in the name 
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." 
Either of these make a blessed ceremony. 

6. The minister who does the baptizing at the baptismal 
service may be an Evangelist, an ordained Deacon or 
a Bishop. Wasn't Philip one of the seven and also an 
Evangelist? 

7. The following hint will be worthwhile to those who 

are newly called upon to administer water baptism: 
Ask the Candidate to lock his hands in front of him. 
Then ask him when you start to baptize him, just to 
lift his hands to his nose and hold it, thus preventing 
any occasion for strangling. The minister can hold him 
by his locked hands with his left hand, and place the 
right hand at the back of the neck. This will aid great- 
ly in bringing the candidate up out of the water. 

8. The singing may well go on intermittently during the 

service, and there are of course assisting brethren and 



66 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

sisters to attend those who come up to the bank out 
of the water. 
9. Baptismal fonts in churches are very common these 
days, and the Lord blesses in them quite as well as 
out where there is more water. Justin Martyr, early 
father, told his people to go to living water if they 
could. But if not, then the still water would be all 
right. 



The Lord's Supper 

(1 Corinthians 11:23-29) 

"For I have received of tlie Lord that which also I 
delivered unto you. That the Lord Jesus the 
same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 
And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and 
said. Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken 
for you: this do in remembrance of me. 
"After the same manner also he took the cup, 
when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new 
testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye 
drink it, in remembrance of me. 
"For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this 
cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come. 
"Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and 
drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be 
guilty of the body and blood of the Lord, 
"But let a man examine himself, and so let him 
eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 
"For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, 
eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not 
discerning the Lord's body.'* 



THE BOOK OP DOCTRINES 67 

(Matthew 26: 17, 20, 26, 27, 28, 29) 
"Now the first day of the feast of unleavened 
bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto 
him. Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to 
eat the passover? 

"Now when even was come, he sat down with the 
twelve * * * And as they were eating, Jesus 
took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave 
it to the disciples, and said. Take, eat; this is my 
body. "And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and 
gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this 
is my blood of the new testament, which is shed 
for many for the remission of sins. 
'But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth 
of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I 
drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom." 

(Mark 14:22-25) 
"And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and 
blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, 
Take, eat: this is my body. 

"And he took the cup, and when he had given 
thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of 
of it. "And he said unto them. This is my blood of 
the new testament, which is shed for many. Verily 
I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit 
of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in 
the kingdom of God." 

(Luke 22:14-17, 19, 20) 
"And when the hour was come, he sat down, and 
the twelve apostles with him. 
"And he said unto them, With desire I have de- 



68 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

sired to eat this passover with you before I suf- 
fer: for I say unto you, I will not any more eat 
thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of 
God. 

**And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said. 
Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 
* =^ * * * And he took bread, and gave thanks, 
and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This 
is my body which is given for you: this do in 
remembrance of me. 

* 'Likewise also the cup after supper, saying. This 
cup is the new testament in my blood, which is 
shed for you." 

*au Atm. ^t Mm Jf* M, Mf Jf. 4U tU* a^ ^£» (U? ^t* 4E> ^ .U* ■)£■ M, ^ Mf Jb M^ ^b m, 

(John 6:53-56) 
"Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say 
unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of 
man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. 
* 'Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, 
hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the 
last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my 
blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and 
drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him." 

This blessed ordinance of the Lord's Supper is so well 
established in the minds of all Christian people, tha.t there 
is little occasion for discussing it in a manner to convince 
people of its part in the fulfillment of all righteousness. It 
is a service that has always been honored and participated 
in by converts without any hesitation. 

The quotations, above in five different groups say es- 
sentially the same thing in reference to it. But to state the 
Sacrament Service briefly let us say that the above 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 69 

Scriptures teach the following prominent things: 

1. That the bread was unleavened bread, the same 

as used at the Passover, at which Christ instituted 
the Lord's Supper. 

2. That the wine was ''The fruit of the vine." 

3. That the bread was first broken and eaten, and 
aftei-wards the cup of wine. 

4. That by this service we do keep in remembrance 

the broken body of Christ, and His Blood shed 
for the remission of sins — until He comes. 

Those who have not participated in the service of the 
Lord's Supper, have missed some of the most sacred and 
hallowed moments in the entire Christian Life. The heart 
melts completely in contemplation of the death and suf- 
fering of Christ. In deep contrition, and repeated regret 
that our hearts could ever have been so far away from Him, 
we beg and implore, Father, forgive us our trespasses as 
we forgive those who trespass against us. 

Usually the heart is softened in the deepest gratitude 
and devotion, and often we break into tears. When we 
think how Chilst suffered in His agonizing prayer in Geth- 
semane, our sorrow is often too deep for tears. Surely 
nothing could take the place of the Lord's Supper. 

As the unleavened bread is broken can we not hear the 
beat of the hammer that drove the nails into His hands 
and His feet? And the spear piercing His side? And as we 
behold the wine in the cup, does it not better than anything 
else in the world bring thoughts of the shed blood of Christ 
— the tears in the Garden that were as great drops of 
blood? And the blood that trickled down, and flowed from 
His hands and His feet, and gushed from His side — and He 
bowed His head, and said, "It is finished." May the day 
not come when we shall forget Calvary and the sacrifice 



70 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

for sin that was made there for the whole world. And 
could that include even me? It could, and that is the 
thought that fills our heart as we partake of the body and 
blood of the Lord in symbol and remembrance until He 
comes. Even so come Lord Jesus! 

And to the Objectors 

Even as Judas Iscariot was found at the Lord's table 
when the Lord's Supper was instituted, so do we yet find 
Satan himself trying to tear down the practice of the Lord's 
Supper as it was instituted, and to which we have ample 
testimonial without any possibihty of a misunderstanding, 
if we will accept the Bible as it stands without trying to 
circumscribe it by the limitations of our own small minds. 

Using Water at the Sacrament. Occasionally you find 
some apparently earnest souls who beg you not to take 
wine at the blessed sacrament, but use water instead. In 
neither of the places where the Lord's Supper is described 
does it say water, but it does say the "fruit of the vine." 
Moreover, Jewish history demonstrates that just as they 
had unleavened bread at the Passover they had wine. 

The Roman Catholic Church has for a long time used 
water instead of wine. This was decreed by a pope, but not 
by the New Testament. 

The Bible says, *This do in remembrance of me." 
While there are comparatively few outside the Ro- 
man Catholic Church who use water instead of wine, yet 
those few — how much more blessed it would be, if they 
could only see and understand that God knows best — 
even though we do not. And when the Blessed Savior asks 
us to take the wine as His shed blood let us never reply, 
"No, Lord, ru take water."— 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 71 

It is the custom of the Church of God to use unfer- 
mented "fruit of the vine," Grape Juice. Perhaps this Is 
particularly desirable in the United States where prohibi- 
tion laws have made the other kind unavailable for this 
purpose. The Jewish people in New York have dispensed 
largely with the use of fermented wine at the sacrament, 
since prohibition went into effect. 

Administering the Sacrament. It is surely the part of 
the ministrj^ to sei-ve at the Lord's Supper. However, there 
are many congregations that do not have a regular min- 
ister. Should they desire to partake of the Lord's Supper 
the elders of the congregation can surely serve. 

How Often to Take the Sacrament. In many churches 
the congregations partake of the Lord's Supper at least 
once a month, and on Easter especially. In some churches, 
though very few, opportunity is given to partake of the 
Lord's Supper every Sunday. 

In the Church of God each congregation has the ut- 
most freedom in deciding when they shall have the Lord's 
Supper. It is felt by many that having the Lord's Supper 
too often lessens the sacredness of the occasion. Others 
feel that it is quite fitting to have the Supper at least once a 
month. 

"As often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, 

ye do shew the Lord's death till he come." 



Feet-Washing 

Now we come to something that raises a bug-a-boo 
from every quarter. "Me, take off my shoes and let some 
one wash my feet in church ! And then me wash somebody's 
feet! No, No, No, Never!" 



72 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

Why they're as bad as Peter, for let us read: 

(John 13:4-17) 
"He riseth from supper, and laid aside his gar- 
ments; and took a towel, and girded himself. 
* 'After that he poureth water into a bason, and be- 
gan to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them 
with the towel wherewith he was girded. 
"Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter 
saith unto him. Lord, dost thou wash my feet? 
"Jesus answ^ered and said unto him, what I do 
thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know 
hereafter. 

"Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my 
feet. Jesus answered him, IF I WASH THEE NOT, 
THOU HAST NO PART WITH ME. 

"Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet 
only, but also my hands and my head. 
"Jesus saith to him, HE THAT IS WASHED 
NEEDETH NOT SAVE TO WASH HIS FEET, 
but is clean every whit: ******. 

"So after he had washed their feet, and had tak- 
en his garments, and was set down again, he said 
unto them. Know ye what I have done to you? 
"Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say w^ell; 
for so I am. 

"IP I THEN, YOUR LORD AND MASTER, HAVE 
WASHED YOUR FEET; YE ALSO OUGHT TO 
WASH ONE ANOTHER'S FEET. 
"FOR I HAVE GIVEN YOU AN EXAMPLE, 
THAT YE SHOULD DO AS I HAVE DONE TO 
YOU. 
"Verily, verily, I say unto you. The servant is not 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 73 

greater than his lord; neither he that is sent 

greater than he that sent him. 

**IP YE KNOW THESE THINGS, HAPPY ARE 

YE IP YE DO THEM." 

There are three very striking sentences in this ref- 
erence, that stand out in bold relief for the consideration 
of the Peters: 

1. Jesus told Peter that if He didn't wash his 
feet, then Peter would have no part with Him. 

2. That if Peter were clean all over, his feet 
needed to be washed, anyway. 

3. "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed 
your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's 
feet. For I have given you an example, that 
ye should do as I have done to you." 

And a Fourth that some of us relish: 
*'lf ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." 
I assume that every one who reads English under- 
stands this Scripture reference. The usual comment on 
this Scripture begins about this way: "I know it says that 
— B-U-T," and then beghi the excuses. Now it would be 
much easier to lay your coat off, and gird yourself about 
with a towel, and wash another's feet, than it would be 
to get down a thousand reference volumes, and the dic- 
tlonaiy, and old translations of the Scriptures to get out 
of doing it. 

Perhaps you assure us that you "don't understand it." 
Well, my friend, no one accused you of understanding it. 
In fact, Jesus Himself said, "what I do thou knowest not 
now; but thou shalt know hereafter." Even if you don't un- 
derstand, go ahead and do it. "We shall understand it bet- 
ter by and by." We're like children, lots of us. A mother 



74 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

tells her boy to do something. And that boy argues with 
his mother about doing it long enough to have gotten it 
done and forgotten about it — and have the parental 
blessing for OBEDIENCE. 

"A Lesson in Humility." Certainly it is a lesson in 
humility. We all agree on that. Let us consider the nature 
of a lesson — in theory, and then in practice. You take a 
book and read all about just how to build a house. When 
you get through the book you don't say you are a house- 
builder — and it would be difficult to find any one who 
would hire you to build a house. But go and build a house, 
and you'll find there is much more to learning how to 
build a house in actually building it, than in reading about 
it. Theory doesn't count nearly as much as actual practice. 
The building of the house gets a house. Reading about it 
doesn't. 

Perhaps you feel that you have learned the lesson of 
humility by reading that Christ washed the disciples' feet. 
But you would be surprised how much humbler you could 
feel if, like the Master, you would gird yourself with a 
tow^el, and stoop down and v/ash a brother's feet. 

"Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice." Some have 
urged that to be w^illing to wash another's feet is sufficient. 
To that Brother Lemons very aptly said, "Then why be 
baptized — why not just be wihing to? Why take the Lord's 
Supper — why not just be willing to? WTiy actually repent — 
why not just be willing to?" The best way to prove that 
you are willing to be baptized is to be baptized. Likev^ise 
your willingness to partake of the Lord's supper, and to 
repent, is best demonstrated by actually partaking of the 
Lord's Supper, and by repenting. 

Then let us be consistent all the way along the line 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 75 

— and prove that we are willing to wash another's feet by 
actually washing them. As a matter of fact, those that 
repeatedly attest that they are willing to wash another's 
feet and then do not do it, are down in their hearts really 
not willing. James said: "I'll show my faith by my works." 
Another group, allowing the enemy to cheat them out 
of blessings w^hich are rightly theirs, says: "Jesus didn't 
command us to wash one another's feet; He only said that 
we 'ought.' " Apparently that group consider that, "Well, 
it's not a command, so I won't go to hell if I don't wash my 
brother's feet." Whereas they ought to consider it in an- 
other light altogether: 

I place $1000 in a bank for you, and say, "You 
ought to go down there and get it." It would be 
difficult for me to imagine you replying, "Well, 
you don't command me to go, so I'll not go 
down." Feet washing brings a blessing that is 
better than a $1000 gift. You don't think so? 
try it! 

Now Jesus instructed His disciples to "Teach them to 
observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." 
He told Peter that if he did not take part in the feet wash- 
ing he w^ould have no part with Him. When Peter heard 
that he came down off his perch immediately, and said, 
"Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.'* 
I imagine Peter told of this in many a service. 

In answer to some who feel that it isn't so important 
after all, since only one of the four Gospels records the 
incident, I should suggest that if they were invited to go 
down and get the $1000 referred to above, I venture the 
invitation would not have to be repeated. 

Some there are, like Naaman, whom the prophet told 



76 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

to go wash in the River Jordan. He thought the prophet 
might have given him something noble or daring to do. 
And even if he did instruct him to dip himself seven times, 
why couldn't it have been one of the beautiful rivers down 
home, instead of the muddy, murky waters of Jordan. 
Perhaps they, like Naaman, will later change their minds, 
and like Naaman receive the great blessing they long for 
so much. At least we hope so. 

Feet washing was evidently practiced quite generally 
in Apostolic days. You will recall the widow who was to 
receive the care of the church was among other things 
conditioned on "If she have washed the saints' feet." There 
were undoubtedly many opportunities for her to do so, 
else that would not have been one of the conditions. (1 
Tim. 5:9,10.) 

Those who have never participated in feet washing are 
not qualified to speak intelligently on the subject. Let 
him who objects to the service first try it — and then if it 
does not measure up to Christ's promise that "Happy are 
ye if ye do them," he will be qualified to condemn the 
practice. But there are many who have taken part in this 
service; let us hear from them. 

The Multitudes that Practice Feet Washing. When the 
Children of Israel were encamped at Kadesh, they sent over 
twelve spies to see for certain if the land of Canaan did 
actually flow with milk and honey, and pomegranates, and 
all the other good things that were promised them. They 
had heard from the Lord, as well as from rumors, that it 
was a good land, but they wanted to make sure by send- 
ing over the spies. Upon their return they plucked a bunch 
of grapes at Eschol that two men carried on a staff be- 
tween them, just to prove that all the good things they 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 77 

said of the land were true. All twelve came back and »aid 
that it was a land truly flowing with milk and honey. 

That is what not only twelve men — but multitudes art 
saying about feet washing. They have laid aside their ves- 
tures, girded themselves with towels, poured water in ba- 
sins, and dovm. on their knees in front of another have 
washed feet, just as Jesus said they OUGHT TO. And they 
have done this during the good year, 1921. Without a 
dissenting voice, all that participate in it give testimony 
that they are happy in doing it, as Jesus said they would 
be. 

The Form of Service. Usually it is preceded by the 
Lord's Supper. "And rising from supper" they gird them- 
eelves with towels. 

The brethren are in their part of the house, and the 
sisters in their part. Or if the house is small, it is often 
a separate meeting, one for the men and another for the 
women. And if you want to know the practice, just read 
the references above, from the 13th of St. John. Each man 
washes a brother's feet — not foot.' The brethren see that 
every brother gets his feet washed, and that each washes 
another's feet. The women likewise. 

It is usually accompanied with great joy, and blessing. 
Jesus Himself said in reference to it: "If ye know these 
things: happy are ye if ye do them." We find that this is 
positively the truth. 

I smile sometimes at the inconsistency of man! "That 
is ridiculous," exclaims one, "to make that a religious ser- 
vice." Brother, we didn't make it. It never occurred to us 
until we saw it in the 13th of John. If Jesus Himself, our 
Lord and Master, could stoop and wash His disciples' feet, 
how much more should we wash a disciple's feet! 



78 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

With these comments we leave you with the 18th 
chapter of St. John, your Lord and Master, and prayer— 
and sincerely hope you will soon realize the happiness in 
being obedient to Christ in ALL THINGS— Even if you 
don't understand any more about the service than Peter 
did. 



Tithing and Giving* 

Tithes Before the Mosaic Law was Established 

"And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth 
bread and wine: and he was the priest of the 
most high God. And he blessed him, and said. 
Blessed be x\bram of the most high God, possessor 
of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most 
high God, which hath delivered thine enemies 
into thy hand. AND HE GAVE HIM TITHES OP 
ALL." Gen. 14: 18, 19, 20. 

"And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall 
be God's house: and of all thou shalt give me I 
will surely give the tenth unto thee." Gen. 28:22. 
(This was Jacob's vow.) 

Under the Law Moses Ordained Tithes as Follows: 
"And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed 
of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the 
Lord's: it is holy unto the Lord. And if a man 
will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add 
thereto the fifth part thereof. And concerning 
the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of 
whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall 
be holy unto the Lord." Leviticus 27: 30, 31, 32. 
"And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all 



THE BOOK OF DOOTRINBS 79 

the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their 
service which they serve, even the service of the 

tabernacle of the congregation it shall 

be a statute forever throughout your generations, 
that among the children of Israel they have no 
inheritance. But the tithes of the children of 
Israel, w^hich they offer as an heave offering unto 
the Lord, I have given to the Levites to inherit." 
Numbers 18: 21, 23, 24. 

"And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Thus 
speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, when 
ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which 
I have given you from them for your inheritance, 
then ye shall offer up an heave offering of it for 

the Lord, even a tenth part of the tithes 

and ye shall give thereof the Lord's heave offer- 
ing to Aaron the priest.*' Numbers 18: 25, 26, 2S. 
**Thou Shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy 
seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year. 
And thou shalt eat before the Lord thy God, in 
the place which he shall choose to place his 
name there, the tithe of thy com, of thy T^ine, 
and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds 
and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear 
the Lord thy God always." Deut. 14: 22, 23. 

"At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth 
all the tithes of thine increase the same year, and 
shalt lay it up within thy gates: and the Levite, 
(because he hath no part nor inheritance with 
thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and 
the widow, which are within thy gates, shall 
come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the Lord 



so THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

thy God may bless thee in all the work of thin« 
hand which thou doest." Deut. 14:28, 29. 
Between the Time of Moses and the New Testament 
"And as soon as the commandment came 
abroad, the children of Israel brought in abun- 
dance the firstfruits of com, wine, and oil, and 
honey, and of all the increase of the field; and 
tithes of all things brought they in abundantly." 
2 Chronicles 31:5. "Then Hezekiah commanded 
to prepare chambers in the house of the Lord; 
and they prepared them, and brought in the of- 
ferings and the tithes and the dedicated things 
faithfully." 2 Chronicles 31: 11, 12. 
"And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with 
the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the 
Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes, un- 
to the house of our God, to the chambers, into 
the treasure house." Nehemiah 10: 38. 
"Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with 
the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy 
barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall 
burst out with new wine." Prov. 3: 9, 10. 
"Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But 
ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes 
and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye 
have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye 
all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may 
be meat in mine house, and prove me now here- 
with, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open 
you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a 
blessing, that there shall not be room enough to 
receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 81 

sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your 
ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit 
before the time in the field, saith the Lord of 
hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for 
ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of 
hosts." Mai. 3: 8-12. 

Giving unto the Lord — in the New Testament 
**But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint 
and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over 
judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to 
have done, and not to leave the other undone." 
Luke 11: 42. 

"Now concerning the collection for the saints, as 
I have given order to the churches of Galatia, 
even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let 
every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath 
prospered him, that there be no gatherings when 
I come." 1 Corinthians 16: 1, 2. 
"Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the 
brethren, that they would go before unto you and 
make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had 
notice before, that the same might be ready as a 
matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness. 
But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall 
reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bounti- 
fully shall reap also bountifully. Eveiy man ac- 
cording as he purposeth in his heart, so let him 
give; not grudgingly or of necessity: for God lov- 
eth a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9: 5-7. (Also 
read remainder of the 9th chapter.) 
"Now consider how gi^eat this man was, (Mel- 
chisedec) unto whom even the patriarch Abra- 



82 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

ham gave the tenth of the spoils." "For 

he testifieth, Thou art a priest forever after the 
order of Melchisedec." Hebrews 7:4, 17. (Also, 
read all of this 7th chapter.) 

The History of Tithes. There is ample testimony in 
history and in the oldest records available, that the giving 
of the tithe was a custom even before the time of Abraham. 
Among the heathen, the tithe was given to the gods of 
their idolatrous worship. Abraham was not under the Mo- 
saic Law, neither was Jacob, yet both of them gave tithes. 
A conqueror of old that returned with the spoils of the 
vanquished foe, often dedicated a tenth of the spoils to the 
worship of some heathen deity, either by subscribing to 
the wants of the devotees, or priests, or building shrines 
for the worship. In some instances recorded, the tithe was 
distributed to the needy. 

The Tithes under the Law. From the quotations given 
above concerning the tithes under the law^ the following 
are outstanding features: 

1. The tithe was to be given to the Levites, be- 
cause they did not have a source of income 
like the other tribes. 

2. The Levites were instructed to give one-tenth 
of the tithes which they received to Aaron, the 
high priest. 

3. There appears to have been three kinds of 
tithes: (a) To the Levites for their mainte- 
nance (Numbers 18:21, 24); (b) Another for 
the Lord's Feasts and Sacrifices, to be sent to 
the place where the Lord chose to place His 
Name — if it could not be sent in kind, it was 
to be sent in money, then the money would be 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 88 

Spent for whatever they pleased to have in the 
feast, (c) Every third year a tithe for the poor, 
to be eaten at their own dwellings. Some think 
this third year tithe is the same as the tithe in 
the other two years, except that the feast was 
to be at home, or locally, and not sent to the 
central place, "which the Lord would choose." 
(Dent 14:28, 29.) 

4. It will be noted from the quotations in 
Chronicles, Nehemiah, and Malachi, that 
the tithing system was actually in practice. 
In Malachi we are told that it was robbing God 
to deprive the piiests and Levites of their 
tithes. It appears that when Israel went into 
other sins they also committed the sin of rob- 
bing God of that which was His. 

5. We also note from the quotations above that 
the Lord expects more than the tithes — He ex- 
pects offerings also. 

Tithes and Offerings in the New Testament. In Abra- 
ham's time tithes were given voluntarily. No law demanded 
It. Abraham simply purposed in his own heart to give one 
tenth. Jacob likewise. Under the Law, giving tithes was 
commanded. The tithes were for the maintenance of the 
Levites, for religious feasts, and once in three years for 
the poor, and the Levites. 

We do not find a direct command in the New Testa- 
ment to give tithes. But we do find passages that sti'ongly 
indicate to the minds of earnest people that tithes are the 
Lord's. Let us examine them: 

1. The Pharisees, in Luke 11:42, are told that they 
should not leave tithing undone. Perhaps it 



S4 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

can be said that this has a private interpretation 
that "According to the Law" he should not have 
left tithing undone. 

While such might be infen^ed from the passage, 
certainly it is not said. In other words, the Phari- 
sees ought to pay tithes. 

2. We find that Jesus is a Priest forever after 
the order of Melchlzedek. Abraham paid tithes to 
Melchizedek, not because he was commanded by 
law, but because he purposed in his heart to do it. 
That incident, with the later determination of 
Jacob to do the same thing, are precedents, 
and examples, by which we may profit, in de- 
ciding just how^ much w^e ought to give to the 
Lord. We have no examples to go by if we 
wish to give less. 

3. Paul instructed the Corinthians to lay aside on 
the first day of the week as the Lord had prospered 
them, for the benefit of the saints at Jerusalem. We 
have as precedents as to how much to give in 
Abraham, Jacob, and the Children of Israel — the 
tithe. And people in all ages have given the tithe 
as they "purposed" in their heart. So if you ever at- 
tempt to figure how much it is fair for you to give, 
consider that the only amounts we have on record 
in the Bible are the tenth. If pagans out of the 
sincerity of their hearts could decide to give a 
tenth to a heathen deity why should we con- 
sider gi^ang less to Almighty God, our heavenly 
Father in whom w^e live and move and have our be- 
ing! We give about 25 per cent, of our income for a 
house to live in. We give an average of 50 per cent 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 8B 

for food, clothing, and other necessities of life. We 

allow more than 10 per cent, usually for pleasure, 

and diversions. People of the world pay out more 

than a tenth of their income for such things as 

clubs, theatres, and other distractions, that the 

saint never pays anything out for. If you get all 

your blessings from the Lord instead of from these 

worldly things, why should you not pay at lea»t 

10 per cent, of your income? 

Cast Your Bread upon the Water — and it Will Return 

after many Days. Some feel that the tithe is too much to 

give. But it can be proven, if you take the tithe of your 

income and put it in the bank on interest, it will not bring 

you the half of the return it would if you would invest it in 

the Lord's service. Do you wish to know how it will return 

to you? In this way: you will avoid many sicknesses that 

you might have had ; you will plant your seed, if you are a 

farmer, and it will gi^ow, and bring you a profit. If you are a 

worker, the Lord will insure you sufficient work. "I was 

young," says King David, "And now I am old, and I have 

not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging 

bread." 

No, the tithe that is given always returns many fold. 
I have seen many articles in the reUgious press, that bear 
out the testimony of many people who have tried giving 
the tithe, and say it pays. 

Perhaps it isn't commanded in the New Testament to 
give a tithe, but neither was Abraham commanded, and he 
was the friend of God. 

As Paul says in the quotations above, "He that soweth 
bountifully, shall reap bountifully," but he that soweth 
"sparingly shall reap sparingly." 



86 THE BOOK OP DOCTRINES 

Offerings. The prophet Malachi refers to tithes and 
OFFERINGS. Does that mean an offering in addition to 
the tithes? It sounds hke it. We find also, that the Children 
of Israel were instructed to give offerings of their first- 
fruits in addition to the tithes of their first fruits, which 
were given to the Levites. But Malachi follows the in- 
structions about tithes and offerings with a promise of 
blessings that you will not be able to contain. The reward 
seems worth the sacrifice. 

An offering is in a sense a sacrifice. Now it is no »a©- 
rifice if you give something that it doesn't hurt 'at least a 

httle to give it. 

We all recall the Widow's mite. She gave more than 
the rich who had put in much — for she gave all she had. 
The rich young man who came to Jesus inquiring what he 
should do to inherit eternal life was told: One thing thou 
lackest, **go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor." 
(Matt. 19:21.) 

The Lord speaks to nearly every Christian at one time 
or another in some definite way, and shows them what 
special offerings should be given. 

The Need of the Tithes in the Church. If we may 
learn a lesson from the Old Testament — which is a shadow 
of things to come — we can say that the Levites are repre- 
sented today by the ministry of the Church of God. And 
corresponding to the Priesthood of Aaron and his sons in 
the Church in the Wilderness, we have overseers over the 
churches today. Then do we not have a precedent in 
directing our tithes to be given to the ministry? The of- 
ferings also were taken to the priest, a part of which he 
kept, and a part of which he sacrificed in the burnt offer- 
ing before the Lord. Through the ministry the tithes servo 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 87 

all church interests, charity, missionary, and gospel ad- 
ministration, etc. 

The matter of money in church affairs is such a del- 
icate one that it must be handled with much care. But it 
is patent that the church must have money to carry it on. 
Therefore, the best manner to handle this tithing question, 
is to urge that all pay tithes, not because they "must," but 
because it will put them by way of receiving the great 
blessings of which Malachi wrote. In all ages of the church 
there have been multitudes that paid tithes, because it 
fteemed to them to be the Bible way. They prospered both 
spiritually and temporally. Let us profit by their example. 

"Lay aside on the first day of the week," leaves no 
question as to the proper time to bring tithes and offer- 
ings into the storehouse. 

Many dear Christians can give a 50 per cent. tith« 
much easier than some others can give a 10 per cent, tithe. 
Let us give thanks that they can — but let us not permit 
them to get all the abundant blessings — let us all get our 
share of the blessings. "It is more blessed to give than to 
receive.'* 

Even the ministry may tithe the tithes which they re- 
ceive — and thus ha^e the joy of giving toward the general 
interests of the churchc 

A One Year's Test. A farmer and his wife in Maine, 
blessed Christians, were constantly annoyed by the wolf at 
the door. Eveiything they put their hand to failed. 

"Maiy," said the husband one day, "Let's give God a 
chance to help us prosper. Instead of this pinchpenny ex- 
istence, and grudgingly dropping a thin dime in the collec- 
tion, let's open up, and give God His share, one tenth. For 
I read here that we will be blessed, and our seed will grow, 



88 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

and our fruit will not fall before its season in the field." 
They tried. And the story of how the Lord prospered 
themi in basket and in store is one of the most blessed I 
ever read. Even when the potato crop failed all about them, 
they raised a bumper crop. The hens tumbled over one 
another trying to lay — Mary was giving one tenth of the 
egg money to missionary causes. 

Give unto the Lord, and it shall return unto you full 
measure, heaped up, pressed down, and running over. The 
Lord challenges: PROVE ME! And see if I will not pour 
out a blessing that there shall not be room to contain. 
Amen. If we could learn to praise the Lord more when we 
speak of money — it would be much more pleasant. 



Healing" of the Body 

"Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast oiut 
devils: freely ye have received, freely give." 

If we were to attempt to give all the Scripture ref- 
erences pointing out the instances of healing, we would re- 
quire a book about as large as this one to do it in. 

But for the benefit of those who have not read ' the 
passages in the Scripture in some definite order, bearing 
on the healing power of God, in the Old Testament, as well 
as in the New Testament, we give the following suggested 
order for reading them: 



Numbers 12:10-15. 


10th, 12th, 14th. 


14th, 18th, 22 (vers- 


Numbers 21:6-9. 


15th, 17th, 19th, 


es 50-51) chapters. 


2 Kings 4:8-37. 


20th chapters. 


John 4th, 5th, 9th, 


2 Kings 5:1-14. 


Mark 1st, 2nd, 8rd, 


11th chapters. 


2 Kings 20:1-7. 


5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 


The Acts 3rd, 8th, 


Psalms 30:2. 


9th, 10th, chapters. 


9th, 14th, 19th, 20th, 


Psalms 107:20. 


Luke 4th, 5th, 7th, 


28th chapters. 


Matthew 8th, 9th, 


8th, 9th, 11th, 13th, 





Consider the abundance of Bible stories of healing. Is 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 89 

there another subject that has so complete proof that h^al- 
higs were performed, both before Christ, and after Christ, 
as well as in Christ's own ministry? 

All are convinced, who believe the Scriptures. Those 
who do not believe the Scriptures will probably not be 
reading this book. However, there will probably many read 
this book who will sometime or other be speaking with 
people who do not believe the Scriptures, and do not be- 
lieve in healing. Let us go about the discussion in a man- 
ner that would be suitable to convincing the unbeliever. 

Historical Evidence. Historians hesitate to record mir- 
acles of healing, because they fear that the skeptic will 
brand the entire history as unauthoritative — even though 
the historian himself is con\inced of the genuineness of 
the healing. For that reason a large publishing house 
recently refused to publish a book which recorded miracles 
of healing. Yet that same publishing house prints hun- 
dreds of thousands of Bibles which record healings of 
identically the same nature. Therefore, it is difficult to try 
to convince the skeptic by reference to historical docu- 
ments. 

Healing Provided in the Atonement. We are assured 
that "By his stripes we are healed." The following ref- 
erences shed light on "Healing in the Atonement:" 

"And with his stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5. 

"Who his o-^Ti self bare our sins in his own body 

on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should 

live unto righteousness: BY WHOSE STRIPES 

YE WERE HEALED." 1 Peter 2:24. 

"Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth 

all thy diseases." Psalms 103:3. 

"That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by 



99 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our in- 
firmities, and bare our sicknesses." Matthew 8:17. 
Jesus gives His Disciples Power to Heal. Let us con- 
sider the following instructions of Jesus: 

"Then he called his twelve disciples together, and 
gave them power and authority over all devils, 
and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach 
the kingdom of God, AND TO HEAL THE SICK. 
***** And they departed, and went through 
the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing 
everywhere." Luke 9:1, 2, 6. 
"And v/hen he had called unto him his twelve dis- 
ciples, he gave them power against unclean spir- 
its, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of 
sickness and all manner of disease. ***** 
And as ye go, preach, saying, the kingdom of 
heaven is at hand. HEAL THE SICK, CLEANSE 
THE LEPERS, RAISE THE DEAD, CAST OUT 
DEVILS." Matthew 10:1, 7, 8. 
Speaking to the other seventy which He sent 
forth, Jesus said: "And into whatsoever city ye 
enter, and they receive you, eat such things as 
are set before you: And heal the sick that are 
therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God 
is come nigh unto you." 

Now in these Scriptures Jesus has definitely command- 
ed His disciples to "heal the sick." Then, He commanded 
them to go into all the world, 

"Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever 
I have commanded you." 

He commanded them to heal the sick — then the com- 
mand is for us. Peter said on the Day of Pentecost, "This 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 91 

i8 for you and your children, and all that ar© afar off, 
♦v«n as many as the Lord our God shall call." 

The Disciples performed many wonderful healing* 
while Jesus was here on earth, as recorded in Luke 9:6, 10. 

But after Jesus went away, we find the disciples per- 
forming the wonderful miracles, given in The Acts of the 
Apostles — See Acts, 3rd chapter, 8th, 9th, 14th, 19th, 20th 
and 28th chapters — healing the cripple, raising Dorcas to 
life, casting out devils and performing many healingg in 
nearly everj^ place. 

Our Instructions are definitely set forth in these ref- 
erences : 

Mark 16:17, 18. "And these signs shall follow 
them that believe; in my name shall they cast out 
devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they 
shall take up serpents; and if they drink any 
deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; THEY 
SHALL LAY HANDS ON THE SICK AND THEY 
SHALL RECOVER." 

James 5:14-16. "Is any sick among you? let him 
call for the elders of the church; and let them 
pray over him, anointing him \^ith oil in the 
name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall 
save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; 
and if he have committed sins, they shall be for- 
given him. Confess your faults one to another, 
and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. 
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man 
availeth much." 

Testimonials. As we pointed out in the beginning of 
this book, there is no proof of the truthfulness of the Scrip- 
tures, and their absolute reliability, like taking the prom- 



92 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

ises one by one and proving them. However, if all the peo- 
ple in the whole world that have been healed by the 
power of Almighty God through the prayers of His people, 
were to come together into one place, I believe it would 
make a city as large as New York. The world is full of 
them. 

Once Jesus healed ten lepers — and only one returned 
to give Him thanks. Many there are who are healed by 
the power of God, and wander away and forget. Neverthe- 
less the Lord has done His share. In fact, there are so many 
healings taking place all over the United States as well as 
in all other countries, I am at a loss to select any represent- 
ative instances, that would strengthen your faith. 

In my own neighborhood there have been the follow- 
ing notable healings within the last few months, that I 
readily call to mind. There have been hundreds in all: 

(1) Three healed of cancer — ^all in advance 
stages. 

(2) A little girl of twelve healed of insanity. 

(3) A little boy of four, of epileptic fits. 

(4) A woman of about forty, healed of Melan- 
cholia, and occasional insanity, and neuritis. 

(5) A man healed of Ulcer of the Stomach — in- 
stantly. 

(6) A woman whose kidneys were almost com- 
pletely eaten away — suffering a living death- 
healed instantly. Her kidneys were wholly re- 
stored. 

(7) A woman healed of Call Stones. 

(8) Man, paralyzed on one side — healed al- 
most instantly. 

I have word direct from Europe, that a Norwegian 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 93 

Brother who has been havhig remarkable success in heal- 
ing, prayed for some one who had been pronounced dead 
by attending physicians. She was raised from the dead. 
This occurred within the past few months. 

I have before me the issue of the Church of God Evan- 
gel, the weekly journal of the Church, pubhshed at Cleve- 
land, Tennessee, dated October 1, 1921. This is the number 
that comes to my desk as this paii: of the book is being 
written, and in fact before reading it and knowing what is 
in it, I refer to it. I will now enumerate the different heal- 
ings that are given in signed testimonials: 

1. A fifteen year old boy, with breast, stomach, and 
bowels riddled with fourteen buck-shots — pro- 
nounced hopeless by the hospital — healed by the 
prayer of the saints. 

2. A woman, invalid for fifteen years — healed. 

3. A boy blind receives his sight. 

4. A cripple, who had not walked for four years — 
healed, and walked instantly. 

5. One healed of chills and fever. 

6. One healed of spinal meningitis. 

It also contains nine requests for prayer for healing. 
In thousands of churches all over the world people are 
being healed by the prayers of the saints. Usually it is in 
this manner: 

The sick one calls upon the elders of the church 
to pray for his healing. (The elders in this case 
are considered any that are leaders in the church 
service — faithful brethren or sisters.) 
They anoint with oil (usually olive oil), by drop- 
ping a few drops from a bottle on the head of 
the sick one. This is done with the prayer of 



»4 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINBfi 

faith. Frequently, the evil spirit must be re- 
buked from the sick one's body — just as In Matth- 
ew 8:28-34 out of whom Jesus cast the 
evil spirits and then deliverance comes. Often- 
times the evil spirit is rebuked by the Holy 
Ghost In unknown tongues. 

If you want to know the list of diseases that the Lord 
can heal, get down any medical dictionary which gives a 
complete list of all the ailments that ever attack the hu- 
man body — Thanks be to our God — the power of the Lord 
is sufficient for them all. 

Some doctors hang out a shingle: "Eye Specialist** — 
Another "Nose Specialist," Another, "Nerve Specialist** — 
Another is a Surgeon. 

Our Lord Jesus Christ provided in the atonement that 
we should be healed — and if we believe we can be healed. 



"Who Healeth All Thy Diseases." 

Committing Sin. When Jesus healed many. He told 
them to "Go and sin no more.*' Once He said, "Go and sin 
no more, lest a worse thing come upon thee.** We cannot 
answer for those who come to the Lord and get healed, 
and their sins forgiven, and then go away and forget God. 
But for all those who come believing there is healing in 
the Fountain. 

After all this do you wonder that healing is one of th« 
great works of Faith which the Church of God contends 
for! I should think not 



The Church of God 

"The Church of Cod has a sure foundation; the 
gates of hell shall not prevail against it. The 
edicts of imperial Rome may be issued against 
her aimed at her extinction, commanding that all 
Christians should sacrifice or die. To awful per- 
secutions were added satire and slander; in fact, 
almost every form of torture and cruelty hat 
been used against the Church down the centu- 
ries; mental anguish and physical pain have been 
endured, yet She stands. Where are the eagles 
of Rome, where its triumphal arches and victori- 
ous processions! Where is thy throne, O mighty 
Caesar? What of that iron hand, the legions at 
Thy command! Ah, these, all these have passed 
away, but the Church built by Jesus of Naza- 
reth still stands triumphant, extending Her con- 
quests from land to land. Yes, She is built upon 
the Rock!" — L. Howard Juillerat. 



Whence the Name, "The Church of God'' 

Let us freely examine Scripture verses which give 
name to the body of Christ here on earth: 

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all 
the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath 



96 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

made you overseers, to feed the CHURCH OF 
GOD, which he hath purchased with his own 
blood." Acts 20:28. 

**Unto the CHURCH OP GOD which is at Cor- 
intli." 1 Corinthians 1:2. 

**Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to 
the Gentiles, nor to the CHURCH OF GOD." 1 
Cor. 10:32. 

"What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink 
in? or despise ye the CHURCH OF GOD, and 
shame them that have not?" 1 Cor. 11:22. 
"For I am the least of the apostles, that am not 
meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted 
the CHURCH OF GOD." 1 Corinthians 15:9. 
"For ye have heard of my conversation in time 
past in the Jew's religion, how that beyond meas- 
ure I persecuted the CHURCH OF GOD." Gal. 
1:13. 

**For if a man know not how to rule his own 

house, how^ shall he take care of the CHURCH OP 

GOD?" 1 Tim. 3:5. 

"For ye, brethren, became followers of the 

CHURCHES OP GOD which in Judsea are in 

Christ Jesus." 1 Thes. 2 :14. 

*'But if any man seem to be contentious, we have 

no such custom, neither the CHURCHES OF 

GOD." 1 Cor. 11:16. 

"For God is not the author of confusion, but of 

peace, as in all the churches of the saints." 1 Cor. 

14:33. 

"The CHURCHES OF CHRIST salute you." 

Rom. 16:16. 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 97 

"For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father 

of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole 

family in heaven and eaith is named." Ephesians 

3:14, 15. 

In the New Testament we find that St. Paul definitely 
calls the people of the Loid on earth, the body of Christ, 
the CHURCH OF GOD, not once only, but nine times. 
Once he speaks of the church as the "Churches of Christ," 
and once the churches of the saints. It would appear, 
therefore, that the name given the body of Christ on the 
earth is the CHURCH OF GOD. In many places the 
churches are referred to as simply "churches." But in 
order to designate a particular church Paul uses the ex- 
pression: 'The Church of God which is at Corinth." 

What is particularly notable about the name given in 
the Scriptures for the Church, is that we do not find the 
names so generally given as names of well-known 
churches; for example, Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist, 
Christian, Episcopalian, Roman Catholic, Greek Catholic, 
etc. As a matter of fact each claims to be the Church of 
God — but rarely say so, claiming rather to be "Good Cath- 
olics," "Good Baptists," "Good Methodists," etc., a worthy 
aim indeed as denominationally looked upon. But why not 
asph'e to be the real Church of God, the body of the Lord 
upon the earth? And if they are the Church of God, why 
not admit to the name? What is the necessity for an ad- 
ditional name? No other was necessaiy in the Bible. Is 
the name not sufficiently impressive? I think so. 

Paul speaks definitely as to the name of the Church 
in Ephesians 3:14, 15, quoted above. Therefore, thanks be 
to God, we accept the name given, and we are The Church 
of God. 



98 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

The Organization of The Church of God 

NotMng is more definitely pointed out in the Scrip- 
tures than the complete organization of the Chiuch of 
God. In fact, it constitutes a perfect union, in that it is 
likened to our bodies. 

Now the human body is a wonderful organization, 
the most perfect union. Inventions of man, while marvelous 
in our sight, cannot compare with the human body. Let 
us, therefore, consider the organization of the Church. You 
realize, of course, that the Church is not here referred to 
as a house — chm^ch building. Neither as a congregation of 
people. The Church of God is the body of people on th« 
earth who have been "called out" from the world, and ar# 
Christians, and who have been brought together in union, 
and are empowered to transact business for God. Thes* 
passages of Scripture create the Church of God: 

"He (Jesus) saith unto them, But whom say ye 
that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said. 
Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 
And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed 
art thou, Simon Bar-jona : for flesh and blood hath 
not revealed it unto thee, but my father which is 
in heaven. And I say unto thee, that thou art Pe- 
ter, and upon this rock I will build my church; 
and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 
And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom 
of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on 
earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever 
thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heav- 
en." Matthew 16:15-19. 

**And he is the head of the body, the church, who 
is the beginning, the firstborn from th^ d«ad; 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 99 

that in all things he might have the preemi- 
nence." Col. 1:18. 

"For the husband is the head of the wife, even 
as Christ is the head of the church; and he is the 
saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is 
subject uiito Christ, so let the wives be to then- 
own husbands in everything. «=**** Por we are 
members of his body, of his flesh, and of his 
bones." Eph. 5:23, 24, 30. 

"For his body's sake, which is the church." Col. 
1:24. 

"For as the body is one, and hath many mem- 
bers, and all the members of that one body, being 
many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one 
Spirit are we all baptized into one body." 1 Cor. 
12:12, 13. 

•'And certain men which came down from Judaea 
taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be cir- 
cumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot 
be saved. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had 
no small dissension and disputation with them, 
they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and cer- 
tain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem un- 
to the apostles and elders about this question. 
***** And the apostles and elders came to- 
gether to consider of this matter. And when there 
had been much disputing of this matter, Peter 
rose up, and said unto them ***** Then all 
the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to 
Barnabas and Paul ***** And after they had 
held then* peace, James answered, saying * * ♦ 
**Wh9r«fore my sentence |s * * * * * ." (This is 



100 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

from the 15th chapter of The Acts — it is sug- 
gested that you read the entire chapter down to 
the 33rd verse.) 

"Besides those things that are without, that 
which cometli upon me (Paul) daily, the care of 
all the churches." 2 Corinthians 11:28. 
"For this cause left I thee (Titus) in Crete, that 
thou shouldest set in order the things that are 
wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had 
appointed thee." Titus 1:5. (Written by Paul.) 
*'l charge thee therefore before God, and the 
I^rd Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and 
the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 
Preach the word ; be instant in season, out of sea- 
son; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffer- 
ing and doctrine." 2 Tim'. 4:1, 2. 
"These things write I unto thee hoping to come 
unto thee shortly: But if I tarry long, that thou 
mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thy- 
self in the house of God, which is the church of 
the living God, the pillar and ground of the 
truth." 1 Timothy 3:14, 15. 

"And when they had ordained them elders in 
every church, and had prayed with fasting, they 
commended them to the Lord, on whom they be- 
lieved." Acts 14:23. (Paul and Barnabas.) 
These quotations from the New Testament rela- 
tive to the Church make the organization of the 
Church of God very definite: Let us mark down 
the prominent features of this Organization: 

1. Jesus Christ is the Founder of the Church of Cod. 

2. Jesus is the Head of the Church of God. "My 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 101 

Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." 

3. I he Church is the body of Christ. 

4. It appears that Peter is given the preeminence in 
the Church, because Jesus said that He would give him the 
keys of the kingdom of. heaven. The Catholic Church 
stands upon that quotation for the authority of their popes, 
insisting that such power descends through the popes and 
the popes alone. 

But perhaps this reference can be better understood 
by this explanation which is both possible and plausible — 
and in keeping with Christ's statement in Matthew 18:18. 

The Rock to which Jesus referred was not Peter — 
but Jesus Himself. (''For they drank of that spiritual Rock 
that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." 1 Cor. 10: 
4.) Peter does mean "stone," but accurately it means a 
small stone — a pebble. Now we do not think of the church 
being founded on a small stone. And besides, it is an awk- 
ward figure of speech, a strained significance to try to 
figure that the Church is founded on Peter. No, it is found- 
ed on the Rock Christ Jesus. Psalms 62 :2, says, "He (God) 
only is my rock." And here is the solution of the whole 
question : 

**Now therefore ye are no more strangers and 
foreigners,lDut fellowcitizens with the saints, and 
of the household of God; And are built upon the 
FOUNDATION OF THE APOSTLES AND 
PROPHETS, Jesus Christ Himself being the 
chief corner stone; In whom all the building 
fitly framed together groweth unto an holy tem- 
ple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded to- 
gether for an habitation of God through the spir- 
it." Eph. 2:19-22. 



102 THE BOOK 6f DOCTRINES 

The keys of the kingdom of heaven were to be given 
to Peter, as it would appear in the first reading. Perhaps 
Jesus meant the keys would be given to the Church. Just 
what the keys that Peter should have would consist of is 
not explained. Let us, therefore, observe whether it means 
that Peter is to be the all powerful earthly head of tha 
church. At Jerusalem we find Peter making a speech be- 
fore the council of Elders and Apostles on an equal foot- 
ing with other disputants, including Paul. We find that it 
is James who is at the head of the Council, and who renders 
the decision, for he says: "My sentence is " How- 
ever, at Pentecost, and immediately thereafter, Peter ap- 
pears to be the leader of the Church. However, it was 
Peter who first opened the door to the Jews, on the Day 

of Pentecost, and to the Gentiles eight years later. In that 
way Peter opened the door with the keys that were de- 
livered to him by Jesus, supposing that the keys were given 
to him. 

But be that as it may, what we are interested in es- 
pecially is who made the decisions, as the earthly Head of 
the Church of God. That is easy to find: 

"It seemed good unto us, being assembled with 
one accord, to send chosen men unto you with 

our beloved Barnabas and Paul, For it 

seemed good TO THE HOLY GHOST, AND TO 
US, to lay upon you no greater burden than these 

necessary things " Acts 15:25, 28. 

At this Council of the Apostles and Elders in Jerusa- 
lem, it was not after all either James, or Peter, or Paul, or 
Barnabas — or any single person that rendered the deci- 
sion— *1T WAS THE HOLY GHOST AND US." *'Then 
pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church." 



THE BOOK OP DOCTRINES 103 

The decision was unanimous — the decision of the Church 
of God. In this first Great Council at Jerusalem that we 
have recorded the Church of God, with the Apostles and 
Elders taking the lead — made the decision, a decision that 
according to the words of Jesus — ''Whatsoever thou shalt 
bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever 
thou shalt loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven.'* 

Your particular attention is called to the fact that the 
Holy Ghost had a prominent part in the decision — in fact, 
the Holy Ghost is given pre-eminence in the decision. Je- 
sus said the Holy Ghost, when He came would take the 
things of His and show them unto us. In this first great 
Council He did! Thank God, He is today. You can prove 
this for yourself in a church meeting of any local church of 
God — or in the Annual Assembly. 

5. We find that while Peter was given pre-eminence 
in the Church on Pentecost and immediately following, 
about ten years later James is at the head of the Council 
of Apostles and Elders and the whole Church held at Jeru- 
salem. Peter is not first. (See Gal. 2:9, 12.) 

6. About fourteen years later in the year 60 A. D. 
it appears that Paul has the care of all the churches. He 
says so in the verse quoted above. 

7. It appears that Paul was accustomed to appomt 
someone to take charge of certain districts — Titus is ap- 
pointed over Crete. Moreover, Timothy was sent on many 
important missions. 

All these things are for our example, and guidance. 
The Lord revealed these plans to the Apostles and Elders ; 
let us follow them. As near as we are able to understand, 
therefore, the Church of God today has the follo^\1ng Gen- 
eral Office! : 



104 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

The General Council composed of twelve Elders, 
all Bishops. The Apostles are represented on this 
Council by the Holy Bible — upon which the Coun- 
cil bases all their recommendations and de- 
cisions. 

The General Assembly — composed of ail the local 
churches as recorded in the minutes of said As- 
semblies, and every member of the Church from 
the highest to the lowest — the General Overseer, 
the twelve elders, and the other seventy is the of- 
ficial part of the Assembly while in joint session. 
All decisions must be made according to the Bi- 
ble — every decision must "seem good to the Holy 
Ghost and to us," just as in the Council at Je- 
rusalem. 

If there are points of controversy between mem- 
bers of the Church about the interpretation of 
certain Scriptures — the General Assembly con- 
tinues to pray, and watch the promptings of the 
Holy Spirit, until the place is reached where "it 
seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us" — one 
accord. In this manner we are making an honest 
effort to help fulfill the prayer of Jesus that we 
might be One. 

General Overseer. If it were advantageous for the 
Church of God in the beginning to have some one 
to look to as General Overseer, Peter, James, or 
Paul — it is for our example now. Therefore, the 
Church of God has a General Ovei^seer, who pre- 
sides over the Councils, and "has the care of all 
the churches." 
District Overseers. Paul found it a desirable thing 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 105 

to leave Titus in charge of all the churches in 
Crete. So the Church of God today, emulating 
faithfully the patterns found in the Bible appoints, 
through the General O^-erseer, Bishops to look 
after a given territory. In the United States, it is 
usually a State. This State Overseer finds the 
State too large to give proper attention to every 
church. So again he follows Paul's example, and 
appoints Bishops over districts. 
In all these general offices of the church, and 
general assemblies, there is one accord. The 
ideal is perfect unity. Since Paul made the ap- 
pointments the General Overseer appoints the 
State Overseers. The State Overseers then ap- 
point district overseers. The Church of God Is 
striving as faithfully as you can possibly imagine 
to DO EVERYTHING ACCORDING TO THE 
PATTERN. It is our feeling, that if we search 
diligently through the Scriptures we will find a 
complete pattern for the Church of God. 



The Church at Babylon 

Or the Church of God at Corinth, or at Tampa, 
Florida, or Middletown, Ohio, or Brooklyn, New York. 
There is certainly a pattern for the Church of God In 
every place. Come, let us find it. 

"Now the God of patience and consolation grant 
you to be like-minded one toward another accord- 
ing to Christ Jesus; That ye may with one mind 
and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of 
our Lord Jesus Chnst. Wherefore receive ye one 



106 THE BOOK OF DO€TRINB« 

another, as Christ also received us, to the glory 
of God." Romans 15:5, 6, 7. 

**And when James, Cephas, and John, who 
seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that wa« 
given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the 
right hands of fellowship; that we should go un- 
to the heathen, and they unto the circumcision." 
Gal. 2:9. 

**And to make all men see what is the fellowship 
of the mystery, which from the beginning of the 
world hath been hid in God, who created all 
things by Jesus Christ." Eph. 3:9. 
"If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we 
have fellowship one with another, and the 
blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from 
all sin." 1 John 1:7. 

"And the Lord added to the church daily such 
as should be saved." Acts 2:47. 
"If there come any unto you, and bring not this 
doctrine, receive him not into your house, 
neither bid him God speed." 2 John 10. 
"I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who 
loveth to have the preeminence among them, re- 
ceiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will re- 
member his deeds which he doeth, prating 
against us with malicious words: and not con- 
tent therewith, neither doth he himself receive 
thei brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, 
and casteth them out of the church." 3 John 9, 
10. 

"Moreover, if thy brother shall trespass against 
tliee, go and tell him his fault between thee and 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES lOT 

him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained 
thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take 
with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of 
two or three witnesses every word may be es- 
tablished. And if he shall neglect to hear them, 
tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear 
the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen 
man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, what- 
soever ye shall bind on eaith shall be bound in 
heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth 
shall be loosed in heaven." Matthew 18:15-18. 
"Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how 
oft shall my brother sin against me, and I for- 
give him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, 
I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but. Until 
seventy times seven." Matthew 18:21, 22. 
In these passages we find many interesting things In 
the pattern for the individual church: 

1. The Saints are Instructed to Receive One 
Another. Now if I were to receive you into my 
house I would probably extend my hand to you at 
the door of my house, welcome you. Just so with 
the Church of God. We that are already in the 
Church not only receive one another, but es- 
pecially welcome the new-bom soul. 

2. Extending the Right Hand of Fellowship. 
That is the manner by which Paul was received 
by the church at Jerusalem, when he went and 
presented himself. It is surely a splendid example 
for us to follow — and we are following it. 

3. St. John indicates that there will be some 
who do not preach the doctrine as it should be 



108 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

preached. John tells the church not to receive 
such a one. You will note he is writing to the 
church, not an individual of the church. 

4. There were some good people cast out of the 
church. This is sufficient evidence to prove that 
it is possible to be a Christian, although not a 
member of the church. But St. John regrets a 
condition of this kind. So do we. 

5. Jesus tells exactly how to deal with an er- 
ring brother, or sister, in the quotation given 
above. Let us add to that Paul's admonition in 
2 Thessalonians 3:6. 

"Now we command you, brethren, in the name 
of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw your- 
selves from every brother that walketh disorderly, 
and not after the tradition which he received of 
us.'' 

"A heretic, after the first and second admonition 
reject." Titus 3:10. 
It is evident that such instructions would not be given 

if it did not lie in the power of the church to carry them 

out. 

In accordance with these passages of Scripture the 

Church of God faithfully follows the pattern in advocating 

these things: 

(A) We receive members into the church, by ex- 
tending the right hand of fellowship, when they 
present themselves. 

(B) We refuse to receive those as members who do 
not preach sound doctrine, which axcords with the 
understanding "OP THE HOLY GHOST AND THE 
CHURCH." This refers to the main principles. 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 109 

Some points of lesser importance are frequently 
overlooked — but endeavoring to keep the unity of 
the Spirit, until we come to unity of the faith. 

(C) We bear patiently, sometimes for months, with 
an erring brother, one after another, including the 
pastor of the church, trying to win him back. But 
if we cannot win him back we withdraw fellowship 
from him. A heretic we reject after the first and 
second admonition. Remember it is the church that 
does this, not any individual of the church. 

(D) We urge all Christians to present themselves 
for membership in the Church of God — we stand 
with the right hand of fellowship always extended 
to receive them. The door of the Church is never 
closed. 



The Officers of the Church of God 

We can surely find them in the Scriptures: 
"And when it was day, he called unto him his 
disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also 
he named apostles." Luke 6:13. 
"If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth 
a good work." 1 Tim. 3:1. 

"Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double- 
tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of 
filthy lucre," etc. 1 Tim. 3:8. 
"Elder" in the New Testament, is a general name, 
which seems to comprehend under it all such as 
have any church function, as apostles, pastors, 
teachers, etc. See 1 Tim. 5:17. Also, 1 Peter 5:1. 
"And he gave some, apostles; and some, proph- 



110 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

ets; and some, EVANGELISTS; and some, pastors 
and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, 
for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of 
the body of Christ." Ephesians 4:11, 12. We also 
find Philip called the Evangelist. (Acts 21:8.) 
Philip's daughters were prophetesses. 
It Is evident that the Apostles stand first in the organ- 
ization of the Church of God. We have their councils and 
their words with us down to this time — in the Scriptures. 
They have laid out the plan as God revealed it to them. 

Next in Order Come the Bishops. A Bishop is one who 
has the care of souls. The qualifications for Bishop are 
given definitely in the third chapter of 1st Timothy, and 
in Titus. In Titus 1:5, Paul gives instructions for elders 
to be ordained in every city in Crete. He then points out 
the qualifications for Bishops, so we may feel confident that 
there should be a Bishop in every city, for every church — 
provided there is one who measures up to the require- 
ments of a Bishop. 

The Evangelists have a very important part in the 
work of the Church. As the name signifies, they are to 
evangelize the world, preach the gospel, and teach. 

It is plainly stated in the Bible that one order of the 
ministry is Evangelists, but the information about this or- 
der is very meager. Timothy, who was ordained the first 
Bishop of the Ephesians, was instructed by Paul to do the 
work of an Evangelist. 

Deacons. This order of the ministry is not fully ex- 
plained. Many suppose that the seven chosen by the 
Church after the day of Pentecost, as recorded in the 6th 
of Acts, were deacons. But there are many things that 
conflict with this view. They were selected for that special 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 111 

service and when that great multitude went to their homes 
the work of the seven ceased and there is no indication 
that this order continued. However, there is an established 
order of the ministry set forth known as deacons. The 
qualifications for Deacons are given in the 3rd chapter of 
1st Timothy. But only through history outside the Bible 
do we have definite information about their duties. Infer- 
ential Scriptures lend some assistance. 

"And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, 
secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, 
then gifts of healing, helps, governments, diversities of 
tongues.'* 1 Cor. 12:28. 

FOLLOWING THE PATTERN: 

In accordance T^ith the pattern the Church of God has 
the following Officers: 

Bishops preach, teach, pastor, and may do the work 
of an Evangelist. (See 2 Tim. 4:5.) They are ordained by 
Bishops, after the church has set them forth. Only quali- 
fied men may be Bishops. Women may not. Bishops preach, 
exhort, teach, organize churches, ordain elders, and have 
the care of churches. They do either evangelistic work 
or pastoral work, or teaching. 

Evangelists — The Evangelists teach, preach, or may 
be pastors, and assist in the work of the ministry. They 
may baptize. They do not perform marriage ceremonies. 
They may set churches in order, but they are subject to 
the Bishops, those that have the rule over them in the 
Lord. Women may be set forth as Evangelists. 

Deacons — The Deacons preach, teach, evangelize, and 
may do the usual work of the ministry, except such as 
ordination, marriage, etc. which is the work of the 
Bishops only. But primarily the Deacons take care of the 
business affairs of the local church. 



Church Pradtices 

Women Speaking in the Church 

''Let your women keep silence in tiie churches: 
for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but 
they are commanded to be under obedience, as 
also saith the law. And if they will learn anything, 
let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a 
shame for women to speak in the church." 1 Cor. 
14:34, 35. 

"I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is 
a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: 
That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh 
saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever busi- 
ness she hath need of you: for she hath been a 
succourer of many, and of myself also. Greet 
Priscilla and Aquila, my helpers in Christ Jesus." 
Romans 16:1-3. 

* 'These all continued with one accord in prayer 
and supplication, with the women, and Mary the 
mother of Jesus," in the Upper Room at Jerusa- 
lem. Luke says that they "were continually in the 
temple, praising and blessing God." In Acts 2:4, 
we find that all these including the women spoke 
in tongues and magnified God. (See Acts 1:14, 

15; Luke 24:53.) 

Paul's instructions here for women to keep silence in 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 113 

the Church does not signify the church building, (See 1 
Cor. 14:22, 23.) but rather a church meeting, where all 
believe. If you can reahze the mystery, it means a church 
meeting where the chmxh is doing business for God. Paul 
says in 1 Timothy 2:11, 12, "Let the woman learn in si- 
lence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to 
teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in 
silence." 

It is evident from the fact that the women were taking 
such active part in the services for ten days up to the Day 
of Pentecost, in the regular prayers, and praises, that 
there is no objection to the women taking part in the 
church services. But from Paul's statement in Timothy, 
the object of the instructions is to see that the women do 
not take tbe reins of government in their hands. The of- 
ficial part of the Church of God must be in the hands of 
the men — and the women must listen in silence, and learn 
of the matter from their husbands at home. 

Just as Phebe and Priscilla could serve the church and 
assist Paul, so can the sisters today assist in the work of 
the church in nearly every capacity— under the supervision 
and leadership of the Bishops. If it were all right for Mary 
Magdalene to be the first one to preach of the Resurrection 
of Christ— it is still all right for the women to tell of all 
these things. The woman at the well, to whom Jesus 
preached, went back and told the story of Jesus in her 
town. The women are acknowledged to be the very marrow 
of the church. God bless them. 

Let us Examine Results. If anyone has any doubt 
about the practice that has ''Seemed good to the Holy 
Ghost and us" in reference to the women's part in the work 
Of the church, let them consider these interesting points: 



114 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

Church of God women Evangelists are bringing multitudes 

to Christ. 

They are blessed in a marvelous way In healing the sick. 

We can produce proof that the Lord blesses them in 
this work quite as much as He does the brethren. Of 
course there are far more brethren in the active ministry, 
and they do much more in tlie aggregate, but in compari- 
son to the number in the field, they measure up in results. 

When They Disobey Instructions. But let a woman 
usurp the authority over those that have the rule over her 
in the Lord — and it's goodbye, sister. Usually they get in- 
to error immediately, they eventually bring more or less 
shame upon the cause of Christ, they become the victims 
of strong delusions, get puffed up, conceited — and hit the 
bottom spiritually, and frequently in many other ways. 
I can recall instance after instance of this kind, and not 
a single instance where a woman has usurped the authori- 
ty that has prospered spiritually. They may have appeared 
to for a while — but they fell. Paul's instructions should be 
followed to the letter in this matter as well as in all other 
matters. He did not preach except as it was revealed to 
him of the Lord. 



Speaking in Tongues in the Church 

This is also referred to in detail in the 14th of 1 Cor- 
inthians. You will note in the 12th verse that it refers to 
the gift of tongues. There is undoubtedly a difference be- 
tween the gift of tongues, where the saints are ordered to 
speak one by one (verse 27), and the speaking in tongues 
which was "As the Spirit gave them utterance" on the 
Day of Pentecost. For on the day of Pentecost "They all 
spake with tongues;" and apparently it was confusion, for 



THE BOOK OP DOCTRINES 115 

the people supposed they were drunken. But it wasn't con- 
fusion, it was the power of God. The same happened at 
the house of Cornelius (Acts 10:44) ; and at Ephesus (Acts 
19:6). Now Paul did not tell the twelve at Ephesus that 
only three of them could speak in tongues. They all spoke 
with tongues. We will find the solution if again we will 
consider just where this instruction of Paul was to be ap- 
plied : 

(1) It had reference to the gift of tongues (See 
chapter on the gifts of the Spirit, page 129) — 
and not speaking in tongues as the Spirit gave 
utterance. 

(2) It had reference to a church meeting, the 
same place where the women are to keep silent, 
where instruction is being given, or the church is 
in council. "The tongues are for a sign to the un- 
believer." (See verse 22.) 

The Tangible Evidence. We have taken this doctrine 
and tested it fairly and impartially, in this manner: 

(1) In a revival meeting of an evangelistic nature a 
minister in all sincerity insisted that there should be no 
speaking in tongues except by twos or by threes, and that 
by course, and keep silent if there is no interpreter. He 
had absolutely no converts, and several of the young 
Christians backslid — and, sad to say, are still in sin, though 
that was many years ago. 

(2) Another minister understanding the Scriptures, 
and reahzing all the blessings that fell on the Day of Pen- 
tecost when all spoke with tongues, urged the people to be 
free in the Spirit, not to quench the Spirit. He had a reviv- 
al, right on the ruins of the meetings that had failed and 
hundreds were brought to Christ, many healed, and there 



116 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

was a very Pentecost. Brethren and friends, there's better 
proof than any theory, and we are able to duplicate this 
proof in nearly every town and country place throughout 
the United States. ''Forbid not to speak with tongues." 



The Covering of the Woman 

In considering this, kindly refer to the 11th chapter of 
1 Corinthians, 1st to 15th. 

The 15th verse states definitely that the hair is given 
the woman for a covering. Therefore, it seems good to 
the Holy Ghost and to us to make no more unnecessary 
burden, than to let the women bear in mind that their 
long hair is their glory. And for the reason that there is 
no mention of a hat, or veil, we do not ask that the women 
wear their hats or veils. The women will be guided by 
modesty, and uprightness, and custom. 

Just at this time there is a fad of "bobbed" hair, which 
takes away from the gloiT of a woman. Usually it is ex- 
cess vanity that prompts a woman to have her hair bobbed, 
and vanity is a sin in the sight of the Lord. 

The Church of God women are willing to do exactly 
what the Bible says. If the passage had said *'hat," and 
had not explained that the covering was the hair, then the 
women would certainly all wear their hats in church, no 
matter what the custom was. 

The Church of God makes no attempt to bend the 
Scriptures. You never saw a crowd in your life that was 
more anxious to do exactly what the Bible sayi. 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 117 

Abstinence from Alcoholic Drinks 

Instructions in the Bible are very definite in regard to 
this: 

*'But now I have written unto you not to keep 
company, if any man that is called a brother be 
a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a rail- 
er, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an 
one no not to eat." 1 Cor. 5:11. 
"Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor DRUNKARDS, 
nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the 
kingdom of God." 1 Cor. 6:10. 

Also, see Galatians 5:21; Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-32; 
Isaiah 28:7. 

Our experience and all history teach us that for 
your own sake, even though there were no instructions in 
the Bible to that effect, total abstinence is the only safe 
way. One drink usually leads to more and more — and 
misery and distress for all concerned. 

Against the Use of Tobacco in any form, as well as 
other Narcotics, like Opium, Cocaine, Heroine, Morphine 
etc. There is no misaking, these are against the teachings 
of the Scriptures. Let us observe: 

"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye 

do, do all to the gloiy of God. Give none offence, 

neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the 

Church of God." 1 Cor. 10:31, 32. 

"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let 

us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and 

spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." 2 Cor. 

7:1. 

"But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetous- 

ness, let it not be once named among you, as be- 



118 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

cometh saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking 

nor jesting, which are not convenient." Ephesians 5: 

3, 4. Also see James 1:21; and Isaiah 55:2. 

All agree that the use of tobacco, besides being in- 
jurious, is a useless habit. The majority of people consider 
its use filthy and unclean. The odor of it is very obnoxious. 
In fact, smoking is prohibited in many public places. It is 
a violation of the law to smoke in any pubhc place in Kan- 
sas. With definite instructions about wasting our incomes 
on **That which is not bread" — and putting off "filthiness of 
the flesh," tobacco is certainly both, and to be "put off." 
Objectors often say that tobacco is not mentioned in the 
Bible. For that matter neither is whiskey or gin; they are 
included in drunkenness. Just so is tobacco included in 
filthiness. 

Bible instructions are always for the highest good of 
us mortals, for our health of body as well as our souls. 

Addicts to tobacco and other narcotics can sometimes 
free themselves from the "dopes" by sheer will power. 
However, the majority are freed by prayer. They will of 
course be tempted to go back to their old habits, but "My 
grace is sufficient," saith God. There are many notable in- 
stances of deliverances from tobacco and the use of nar- 
cotics. With God all things are possible. 

The people generally who are users of tobacco do not 
consider it a great wrong, and not a church question at 
all. In deahng with such it is the custom of the Church of 
God to bear with them in all charity. 

Let me illustrate: In a mountainous country of North 
Carolina there came a minister of undaunted zeal and 
courage, but slightly lacking in wisdom, probably because 
he had not yet had enough experience. He scored the en- 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 119 

lire community for using tobacco, smoking, chewing, spit- 
ting yellow, dipping snuff, and letting it drean around the 
corners of the mouth in unhealthy streaks, etc., etc. He ac- 
complished nothitig in the way of saving souls or in getting 
them to quit using tobacco. 

Two other Evangehsts went into a similar community 
of good honest people, but devoted to their snuff, cuds 
and corn-cob pipes of great age. But these had learned how 
to deal with such a community. They preached the saving 
grace of Jesus' Blood, and all the blessings to be received 
by Salvation. They didn't even mention tobacco — but they 
didn't use it themselves. The sisters would leave the church 
and go down the road in some place and "dip." The breth- 
ren would go around back of the church, and bite off a 
hunk — and spit. One day one of the Evangelists, a woman, 
spoke to the women: "Why do you hide when dipping 
snuff? We've never said anything against using snuff?'* 
They replied, "But we saw you didn't use it, aiid we 
thought perhaps it was offensive to you." "And anyhow we 
don't feel that it becomes a Christian," etc. The result of 
this charitable manner of dealing with so delicate a sub- 
ject, in a community where from the oldest grandfathers 
to the wee children all used tobacco — scores of souls were 
blessedly brought to Christ, and the Church of God was 
set in order — and they all laid aside their tobacco. Purifica- 
tion of the mind and the thoughts and intents of the heart 
soon makes itself known outwardly. 



Meats and Drinks 

"For one believeth that he may eat all things: 
another, who is weak, eateth h^rbs. Let not him 
that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let 



y 



120 THE BOOK OP' DOCTRINES 

not him which eateth not judge him that eateth; 
for God hath received him.'' Hom. 14:2, 3. 
*'For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; 
but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy 
Ghost." Rom. 14:17. 

"But meat commendeth us not to God: for 
neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if 
we eat not, are we the worse." 1 Cor. 8:8. 
"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the 
latter times some shall depart from the faith, 
giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of 
devils; ***** Forbidding to marry, AND COM- 
MANDING TO ABSTAIN FROM MEATS, which 
God hath created to be received with thanksgiv- 
ing of them which believe and know the truth. 
For every creature of God is good, and nothing 
to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: 
for it is sanctified by the word of God and pray- 
er." 1 Tim. 4:1-5. 

It takes no great effort lo see from these Scriptures 
that there is no occasion for us to discuss from a Bible 
standpoint the question that usually arises in reference to 
eating pork; and sometimes about drinking coffee. While 
under the law it was forbidden to eat pork — we are told 
by Paul, that we are not under the Law, but under Grace. 

In all our large cities there are many restaurants that 
serve no meats whatever — only vegetables. There is a 
large group of people in the world who consider a vegetari- 
an diet essential to good health. If they don't care to eat 
meat there is no reason why they should. 

It will be recalled that the Land of Canaan was in a 
aemi-tropical climate, and greasy meats like pork would 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 121 

not be desirable for many reasons. The orthodox Jewish 
custom to this day of eating only fresh-killed meats, (no 

fowls or meats may be eaten except killed by the rab- 
bi) , comes down from the Law. But it was largely a mat- 
ter of climate, and good for their health. The 300,000,000 
Mohammedans in the world do not eat pork, and may not 
touch anything that has meat grease on it. They may not 
even clean their guns with oil. However, they use vege- 
table oils. All Mohammedans live in tropical countries. 

Now we find that under the law it is not permitted to 
eat fish that have no scales. That would not be satisfac- 
tory among the Eskimos. If you took from them their 
seals and whale blubber they would not be able to survive 
the terrible winters of their climate. There are many 
Christians among the Eskimos. It is customary in Tropical 
Climates, like Cuba for example, to cook the beef that is 
killed while the animal heat is yet in it. It is not as good 
then. Here in America it is our custom to eat our meat 
either after it has been frozen, or at least been kept cold 
until after the animal heat has all gone out. It is then much 
better to the palate. 

Some infer that because the Lord permitted the evil 
spirits to enter the herd of swine, so that they cast them- 
selves into the sea, we should therefore not eat swine. 
Nothing is said of that. It is rather unfair to consider the 
swine in that fashion, unless we consider that because the 
angel opened the mouth of the ass, on which Balaam rode 
therefore the ass is desirable food. 

And yet another group feel that because the hog eats 
refuse, garbage, etc., therefore, we should not eat it. Let 
those remember that the richest and most luxuriant corn 
field is the one that is covered with the dung of animals. 



122 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

God has provided that filth is cleansed by the regular op- 
erations of nature. Hydraulic engineers tell us that a 
stream of water will be cleansed by a flow of less than 
forty feet at normal fall, if it is a regular stream bed. God 
is great and greatly to be praised. 



Remember the Sabbath Day to Keep it Holy 

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher pow- 
ers." Rom. 13:1. 

"One man esteemeth one day above another: 
another esteemeth every day alike. Let every 
man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that 
regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; 
and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he 
doth not regard it." Rom. 14:5, 6. 
"Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in 
drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new 
moon, or of the sabbath days." Col. 2:16. 
"And he said unto them. The sabbath was made 
for man, and not man for the sabbath." Marli 2: . 
27. 

"The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou 
hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sab- 
bath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and 
lead him away to watering?" Luke 13:15. 
"And answered them saying, Which of you shall 
have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not 
straightway pull him out on the sa,bbath day?" 
Luke 14:5. 

The Christians in Mohammedan countries, w^hich 
compose 300,000,000 people, will find it more convenient 



THIS BOOK OF DOCTRINES 123 

to keep Friday for the Sabbath. In Christian countries it 
is convenient to keep Sunday for the Sabbath. The pow- 
ers that be have ordained Sunday for the Sabbath. 

It doesn't appear that anything could be more definite 
than the instructions above about keeping the Sabbath. It 
is also very striking, that every one of the Ten Command- 
ments are repeated in the New Testament with the ex- 
ception of this 4th Commandment, "Remember the sab- 
bath day to keep it holy." 

The members of the Church of God consider every 
day a day to be holy, but following the custom of the 
counti-y or community we usually keep one day wholly for 
the Lord, in which we gather in places of worship, and 
learn of Christ, and continue untiring efforts to win souls 
for Christ. 

It is a physical law as well as a law set down in the 
Mosaic code, that one day in seven should be a day of rest, 
which should be given to sening God. In the United States 
Sunday is set apart for this worship. After all, we give the 
first day of the week to the Lord instead of the last day. 
We are commanded to lay aside the first day of the week 
as the Lord has prospered us. That lends some color to the 
effect that in Bible times the first day of the week was 
either the customary pay day, or the usual day for all the 
saints to come together. 



Ornaments and Decorations 

"Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorn- 
ing of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or 
of putting on of apparel." 1 Peter 3:3. 
"In like manner also, that women adorn them- 



124 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

selves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness 
and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or 
pearls, or costly array." 1 Tim. 2:9. 
"Love not the world, neither the things that are 
in the world. If any man love the world, the love 
of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the 
world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the 
eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, 
but is of the world.'* 1 John 2:15, 16. 

It is easy to recognize the man or woman who is the 
seiTant of pride, who thinks more of the outward adorn- 
ment than of the inward adornment of the heart. Cer- 
tainly nothing is more to the point thian this in these days 
of vogue and vanity fair. 

Gold serves a real purpose in the world — but not as 
an ornament, worn for the sole purpose of saying — " Look, 
I am wealthy, I can afford to spend my money for some- 
thing that serves no purpose." This is true of all jew^elry, 
such as pins, rings, broaches, etc., of great cost. 

All of us know what apparel is becoming to a Chris- 
tian woman, and man too, for that matter. But certainly 
it does not consist of high priced materials that may be 
worn only a little and then must be thrown away. And 
clothes that are of a pattern to attract and distract men, 
as those stylists have fostered upon America during 
the last year. 

There is considerable feeling about the wedding ring, 
a little inexpensive ring that tells the story of v/edlock to 
all. In New" York City, as in most northern states, people 
look askance at the girl who is acting like a married wo- 
man, and even has children, but they do not see the wed- 
ding ring. In that case the wedding ring serves a very im- 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 125 

portant purpose. There may be sections of the country 
where so much honor is not given the wedding ring. The 
wedding ring is not worn for ornament. It should not be 
expensive, not over five dollars. But Church of God peo- 
ple do not feel disposed to be controlled by custom in wear- 
ing wedding rings. 

There has never been any trouble about the manner 
of dressing in the Church of God. And as long as both 
men and women live humbly before the Lord, and be 
guided by their honest judgment and the Spirit of the 
Lord, there will not be any trouble. 

We'll wear our gold over yonder — and robes of right- 
eousness. We can boast of our crowns for all eternity — in- 
stead of a broach that a thief might break through and 
steal. 

Charity for All. In this matter of dress much charity 
must be shown. For example, a blessed young woman re- 
ceived the Holy Ghost recently with diamonds on her fin- 
gers. Her custom all her Hfe had been to wear diamonds. 
The church she had been attending never considered it 
wrong. And this dear woman was fairly driven from the 
meeting place by an over enthusiastic worker who hounded 
her about the diamonds, declaring she couldn't get the 
Holy Ghost until she had taken them off. But, faithful soul 
that she was, she received the Holy Ghost at home — with 
the diamonds on. Of course she ^ill eventually take them 
off. That is sure else she will begin to lose out in all 
probability. She has evinced the fruits of the Spirit, and 
been gifted in healing, so our overzealous worker was 
mistaken in judgment. 

Another instance w^hich was of a young woman who 
had just received the Baptism with the Holy Ghost, and 
continued to wear thin, peek-a-boo waists. She was very 



126 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

poor, and had just come through some tiying times, she 
could not buy any other clothes. She couldn't spare the 
money. Yet this young convert was harassed by unwise 
people begging her not to wear those waists to church. 
She did not wish to admit her poverty, wisely and naturally, 
and she did so much love to go to church. But she had 
to give up church until she got money to get new clothes. 
It would have been the part of wisdom for the saints to 
have helped the girl get a new waist, instead of hounding 
her until they kept her away from church. 

Lovingly, wisely, we v;ill teach the new converts how 
best they can exemplify the Spirit of Christ, and put off 
worldly pride. 



Concerning Swearing, and Membership in 

Lodges 

"But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by 
heaven; for it is God's throne: nor by the earth; 
for it is his footstool: Neither by Jerusalem; for 
it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou 
swear by thy head, because thou canst not make 
one hair white or black. But let your communica- 
tion be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is 
more than these cometh of evil." Matthew 5:34-37. 
"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbe- 
lievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness 
with unrighteousness? and v/hat communion 
hath light with darkness? And what concord hath 
Christ with Belial? or w4iat part hath he that 
believeth with an infidel? And w^hat agreement 
hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the 
temple of the living God * * * Wherefore come 



\ 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES ' 127 

out from among them, and be ye separate, saith 
the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I 
will receive you, x4nd will be a Father unto you, 
and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the 
Lord Almighty." 2 Cor. 6:14-18. 

"But above all things, my brethren, swear not, 
neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by 
any other oath ; but let your yea be yea ; and your 
nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation." (James 
5:12.) 

That taking oath is prohibited specifically by 
these Scriptures will in itself prevent members of the 
Church of God from being members of secret orders, 
as oaths are invariably required. But the instructions 
are still more specific: Not to be unequally yoked to- 
gether with unbelievers and associating with them. 
In fact the Church of God member doesn't relish such 
association. The members do not withdraw from 
lodges so much by the orders of the Church, as they 
just turn about and do not care for the old associations 
in the lodge room. 

When the new converts are first told that they will 
have to forego their lodges it comes rather as a shock, to 
some at least. But if they follow the church services, and 
do the will of the Lord, they will find that they are simply 
not interested in the secret order activities any more. The 
women will not care for afternoon teas, and card parties 
any more. It is not so much that you come out of the 
lodges as the lodges come out of you. 

Some feel that lodge and secret order association is 
essential to business success. There are few business men 
that recognize that their lodge association has helped them 
greatly. Contrariwise, those who are constantly to be found 



128 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

in lodge rooms, chewing the rag, hashing over incon- 
sequential news will usually be advised by older heads to 
spend a little more time in actually doing something, in- 
stead of trying to pull yourself up by your acquaintances. 

Some new converts are considerably involved with the 
insurance features of the lodge membership. They hesi- 
tate to surrender the accrued value of their premiums up 
to that time. However, they may withdraw the cash value 
of their policy, and that cash value will cover premium 
for a number of years in a regular Mutual Insurance Com- 
pany. The amount of money they lose will not be great, 
and will have faithfully served its purpose, in the pro- 
tection it has afforded year after year. 

If the insurance division of the Lodge will carry the 
insurance of a member who withdraws without their con- 
tinuance as a member, it is quite the same thing to leave 
the insurance there, but by all means withdraw member- 
ship. 

When brought before the courts the Church of God 
members may be affirmed, instead of sworn; Thus you 
can ask the judge to repeat it to you: 

"You affirm that the evidence you give in this 

case shall be the truth, the whole truth, and 

nothing but the truth; so you affirm." 



The Gifts of the Spirit 

"Now concerning Spiritual ' gifts, brethren, I 

would not have you ignorant Now there 

are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit 

For to one is given by the Spirit the WORD 
OF WISDOM; to another the WORD OF KNOWL- 
EDGE by the same Spirit; To another FAITH by 
the same Spirit; to another the GIFTS OF HEAL- 
ING by the same Spu'it; to another the WORK- 
ING OF MIRACLES; to another PROPHECY; to 
another DISCERNING OF SPIRITS; to another 
DIVERS KINDS OF TONGUES; to another the 
INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES: But all these 
worketh that one and the self-same Spirit, divid- 
ing to every man severally as he will." 

You will observe that there are nine gifts of the 
Spirit. 

In our material affairs we have men who are gifted 
along mechanical lines; another gi'oup are gifted for 
speaking; another are gifted for writing; another group 
are gifted for business management; another group are 
gifted in music; another group are gifted in art. It takes 
all the special talents to make up a well balanced com- 
munity industrially and socially, as we consider them. 

The Church of God is blessed with the gifts that are 
essential to the prosperity of the church both physically 



130 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

and spiritually. Let us consider the gifts that are bestowed 
upon the Church. 

The Word of Wisdom. As near as we are able to de- 
termine its function in the Church, it consists in giving the 
possessor thereof good judgment in deciding ail ahaiis of 
the Church, and in counseling the members. It means more 

than worldly wisdom, which is usually dependent, for its 
decisions on temporal things. It is difficult to say definite- 
ly that a person has the Gift of Wisdom. The best index 
is to watch such a one's decisions and see if in the aggre- 
gate they redo wn to the good of the Church and the sal- 
vation of precious souls. The humble Christian with the 
Gift of Wisdom will no doubt feel the assurance of the 
Spiilt in some unmistakable wa,y. 

The Word of Knowledge. In order for a man to make 
a decision with confidence it is essential to know all the 
facts bearing upon the subject in hand. You can see how 
essential is this gilt to be present in Church counsels — 
even to supplement the Gift of Wisdom. Like the Gift of 
Wisdom, it is difficult to say when you have this gift, even 
partially. But you may watch for an expression of it in this 
manner: One person is especially successful in determining 
just what the trouble is, when a revival fails to revive; or 
why it is that the power fell so wonderfully in such and 
such a place; or why some soul is distressed with heavy 
burdens. And knowing these things he is able to impart 
the knowledge to the individual of the whole church in- 
terested. This is often very comforting. Many are gifted 
more or less along this line, but not in the fullness of the 
gift. Let us pray that we shall see its manifestation more 
general in all the churches. 

Faith. This gift is more generally understood, per- 
haps than the others. But in the limitations of the gift per- 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 131 

haps it is not so well understood. Faith is essential in all 
the gifts, and in all parts of the Christian experience, for 
that matter. But as a gift, is it not that the possessor there- 
of has power to believe for anything that he asks, with the 
exception of tiie \vorking of miracles, healing, etc.? There 
are special gifts for miracles and healing. Then may we 
not consider the Gift of Faith, that power that enables a 
person to have great success in praying along lines thai 
are not healing and miracles? For example: praying for a 
great revival of religion; praying for rain; praying for a 
protection for people in danger ; praying for a job ; praying 
for material needs. It is not necessary to limit the gift of 
Faith to these things, but since provision is made for the 
working of miracles and heahng, probably we are not 
mistaken in this. 

Healing. Strange to say those who are most generally 
gifted in healing hesitate to say that they have the gift of 
healing. Perhaps this is because of their deep humility. But 
there are many who have shown abundant signs of hav- 
ing the gift of healing. There is an unusual manifestation 
of the Holy Spirit when they pray for healing. It would not 
be difficult to name several who have been particularly 
blessed in healing the sick. It would be ideal for the per- 
son with the gift of healing to be able to heal every one 
for whom he or she prayed. But this is obviously not God's 
plan, for '*it is appointed unto man once to die." Moreover, 
we find that Paul left one of his workers sick at a certain 
place. It is unlikely that Paul declined to pray for his re- 
coveiy. Yet we find that Paul had remarkable success in 
healing, and performing miracles as well. Healing is a very 
important gift for the Church of God. When Jesus went in- 
to certain places, the first thing He did was to "heal the 
sick therein." 



182 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

Miracles. There is undoubtedly a distinction between 
the gift of healing and the gift of working Miracles, As far 
as this difference has been revealed to the authors of this 
book it is this: Miracles would include such unusual mani- 
festations as making the lame to walk, the bhnd to see, 
the withered hand to become whole, etc. Whereas, healing 
might be said to refer more directly to curing diseases, 
such as fever, consumption, etc. Miracles would also in- 
clude such unusual manifestations as "Turning water into 
wine." Ail supernatural manifestations are looked upon as 
miracles. In a sense some of these gifts seem to overlap 
each other, but that is only logical, for in all of them work- 
eth the one and selfsame Spirit. 

Prophecy. This is considered the gift of preaching, and 
Includes prophecy of what is coming in the future. Those 
w^ho have been greatly blessed in preaching realize very 
definitely when they are actually preaching under the pow- 
er of the Spirit. So does the audience, both saint and sin- 
ner. They can tell immediately whether it is a message that 
comes from the brain or from the heart, and whether it is 
blessed by the Power of God. As the Spirit of Prophecy re- 
lates to future events, the prophecies must all tally with 
the Scriptures, else they have no weight. 

Discernment of Spirits. Only those who have received 
the Holy Ghost, and have been in services where the flesh 
and the evil spirit attempted fleshly manifestations, can 
fully understand the idea of Spiritual Discernment. But all 
those who have understand it immediately. As near as our 
words succeed in explaining it, it is this: From within the 
heart of the humble saint there is a sweet accord with the 
manifestation of God's power. But if fleshly efforts, 
prompted by personal desires creep in, and if even devils 
cry out, as they did in Bible times — the Saint recognizes 



THE BOOK OP DOCTRINES 133 

it immediately. Yes, all the saints have this power of dis- 
cernment to some extent. But it is left for some to have it 
marvelously developed by the Holy Ghost. But it is a most 
delicate gift. The possessor thereof must exercise profound 
wisdom and humility, else he may hurt some honest soul, 
and cause that soul to make a spiritual shipwreck. It has 
been found better in practice to let some things go on that 
were not altogether pleasing to our spirits, than to rush in 
and try to crush someone's enthusiasm for God. 

The wrong spirit usually manifests itself in instances 
where the person possessed with it, has gone into some sin 
or evil, or else has become vain in spiritual pride. In nine 
cases out of ten it is much better to take the matter to the 
Lord in fervent prayer, than to administer a rebuke, though 
it be ever so mild. 

Divers Kinds of Tongues. This is referred to as the 
gift of tongues, and surely signifies that some may have 
the power to speak in a foreign language at will, just the 
same as the Gift of Prophecy may be exercised at will, 
given the time and place; and for that matter, healing, and 
the working of miracles. It has been my great good fortune 
to hear one brother speak in tongues at will under the Pow- 
er of God, but it may also be added that this brother exer- 
cised his power with the greatest humihty, never doing so 
for vain glory, but for the glory of God. 

But he assured me that even this manifestation of the 
tongues was accompanied with a great inward working of 
the Holy Spirit. Just the same as the power of the Holy 
Ghost works \vithin the prophet, or preacher. Many of 
those who have spoken in tongues after they receive the 
Baptism of the Holy Ghost never speak in tongues again. 
Many others speak in tongues under the power of the 
Spirit in secret prayer with the Lord, and even in church 



134 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

services. Paul said, *1 thank God I speak in tongues more 
than ye all.*' But just as the spirit of the prophets is sub- 
ject to the prophets, so is the spirit of the one who speaks 
in tongues, subject to the one who speaks, if he has the 
gift of tongues. If, how^ever, he does not have the gift of 
tongues, and speaks only "as the Spirit gives utterance,'* 
it is the power of the Lord speaking and not himself. 
"Quench not the Spirit," is a very strong command, and 
those of experience realize that w^hen the Spirit is quenched 
the manifestation of the powder of God is greatly hindered. 

Interpretation of Tongues. This gift describes itself, 
but let us add a few^ comments. Many who have given in- 
terpretation of tongues have been amazed to find that they 
have quoted Scripture that they did not realize was an ex- 
act quotation from the Bible. Usually the interpretation is 
given immediately following the speaking in tongues, and 
the truth of the interpretation is so definite that no one 
present can doubt it. There have been occasions within 
this Latter Rain of Pentecost, when foreigners present 
would verify the interpretation of tongues. Frequently the 
same person that speaks in tongues gives the interpreta- 
tion. The interpreter must have a close walk with God, 
for what he says purports to be the Lord Himself speak- 
ing through human instrumentality. And all interpretations 
are measured by the Holy Scriptures. If anything is given 
as an interpretation the saints immediately give it that 
test. If it violates the Scripture in any manner, the saints 
consider that fleshly effort has dethroned the Spirit of 
God. But just because there are occasionally false inter- 
pretations is no more reason that we should not accept 
the true, than that we should decline a ten dollar bill, 
simply because there are some counterfeits. There are very, 
yery seldom any spurious interpretations, and wljen there 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 135 

are, don't worry, the saints know it almost before the inter- 
pretation is out of the interpreter's mouth. But Oh, the 
blessing that comes upon a gathering of saints when some 
member speaks in other tongues, and then another humble 
soul gives the interpretation. While before that w^e may 
feel Jesus in our midst, then we seem to hear His gentle 
voice. Blessed be God! 

We have found more than one gift manifested through 
a single person, and we have seen all the gifts manifested 
to some extent. We do not feel that the Church is perfect 
— but we are striving for that. 

A Church of Cod Christian. It may be man or wo- 
man, or boy or girl, white or black, yellow or red, whose 
soul has been washed white in the blood of the precious 
Savior. One who has manifested the fruits of the Spirit, 
and crucified the works of the flesh. One who Hves a life 
without sin. 

A Backslider. If the Christian commits sin, he is at 
once a backslider, fallen from grace. But if he will confess 
his sins Jesus will forgive, even as at the first, except the 
sin against the Holy Ghost, which is described in the 6th 
chapter of Hebrews, for which there is no forgiveness. 
When we speak of living a holy life, a life free from sin, 
we do not convey the impression that we cannot sin, but 
that if we do sin it is our own fault and not the fault of the 
plan of salvation which provides that Jesus will save us 
"From our sins." 



"Jesus is Coming Soon" 

In all of us dwells the hope that Jesus will soon return 
to catch away His bride. We have many sure promises that 
He will return. Let us examine enough of them to assure us 
that the Bible teaches it in no uncertain terms: 

"And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the dis- 
ciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, 
when shall these things be? and w^hat shall be the 
sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?" 
Matt. 24:3. (Also read the entire 24th chapter.) 

"Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all 
sleep, but we shall be changed, In a moment, in 
the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump : for the 
trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised 
incorruptible^ and we shall be changed. For this 
corruptible must put on incorruption, and this 
mortal must put on im^mortality." 1 Cor. 15: 51-53. 

*'Por this we say unto you by the word of the 
Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto 
the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them 
which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall de- 
scend from heaven with a shout, v^dth the voice 
of the archangel, and with the trump of God : and 
the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which 



THE BODK of doctrines 137 

are alive and remain shall be caught up together 
with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the 
air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." 
1 Thes. 4:15, 16, 17. 

"Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming 
of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathenng 
together unto him, that ye be not soon shaken in 
mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by 
word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of 
Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any 
means: for that day shall not come, except there 
come a falling away first, and that man of sin be 
revealed, the son of perdition." 2 Thes. 2:1-3. 

These and an abundance of references besides show 
that Jesus is coming back to earth again. And every eye 
shall see Him, we are told. 

"And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven 
as he went up, behold, two men stood by them 
in white apparel; Which also said. Ye men of 
Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? 
this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into 
heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have 
seen him go into heaven." Acts 1:10, 11. 

Just the time of His return we do not know. Jesus 
said concerning His restoration of the kingdom of Israel: 
"It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which 
the Father has put in his own power." 

However, the Lord has given some signs that will 
indicate the time of His coming so that the day shall not 
come upon us unaware. These are given in the 24th chap- 



1S8 THE BOOK OP DOCTRINES 

ter of Matthew very completely. Paul adds to them in such 
a way that by a careful study it appears that Jesus will 
return to earth soon. As to the falling away which Paul 
speaks of, we have surely had that. It refers in all likli- 
hood to the falling away of spirituality, which occurred 
as he prophecied, reaching the depths of wickedness in 
the dark ages. 

The wars and rumors of v/ars have been fulfilled 
with a terrible vengeance even in our own times. Pestilence, 
famine, and the other signs have come upon the world. 
The Jews are returning in multitudes to Palestine. Plans 
are now under way to restore the fertility of the soil to 
take care of the Jews. Surely the portion of Scripture that 
refers to their return to Palestine is being fulfilled. And be- 
sides, the latter rain that is falling upon the earth is an- 
other definite sign that Jesus is coming soon. 

*'Coming soon," might be many years to come. Again 
it might be within a short time. The times and seasons 
are in the Father's Power. **Be ye also ready, for in such 
an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh." 

The three appearings of Christ are shown beauti- 
fully in Hebrews 9:26, 24 and 28. In John 14:20, 23; as well 
as in verses 2 and 3, Jesus comforts us by the promise of 
receiving us unto Himself. 

W. E. B. in his well-known book, ''Jesus is Coming,'* 
sums up the prophecies which we expect to be literally ful- 
filled at the second coming of Jesus: 

That He shall come Hirriself, — 1 Thes. 4:18. 

That He shall shout, — 1 Thes. 4:16. 

That the dead will hear His voice,- — John 5:28. 

That the raised and changed believers will be 
caught up to meet Him in the air, — 

1 Thes.4:17. 



THE BOOK OP DOCTRINES 139 

That He will receive them unto Himself, — 

John 14:3. 
That He will minister unto His watching ser- 
vants, — Luke 12:37. 
That He will come to the earth again, — 

Acts 1:11. 

To the same Mount Olivet from which He 

ascended, — Zech. 14:4. 

In flaming fire, — 2 Thes. 1:8. 

In the clouds of heaven with power and 

great glory,— Matt. 24:30; 1 Pet. 1:7; 4:13. 

And stand upon the earth. — Job 19:25. 

That His saints (the Church) shall come with 

Him,— Deut. 33:2; 1 Thes. 3:13; Jude 14. 

That evei*y eye shall see Him, — Rev. 1:7. 

That He shall destroy Antichrist, — 2 Thes. 2:8. 

That He shall sit in His throne, — Matt. 25:31; 

Rev. 5:13. 
That all nations will be gathered before Him, and 
He will judge them,— Matt. 25:32. 

That He shall have the throne of David, — Isa. 9: 
6,7; Luke 1:32; Ezek. 21:25-27. 
That it will be upon the earth, — Jer. 23:5,6. 
That He shall have a kingdom, — Dan. 7:13,14. 
And rule over it with His saints, — Dan. 7:18,22, 

27; Rev. 5:10. 

That all kings and nations shall serv^e Him, — 

Psa. 72:11; Isa. 49:6,7; Rev, 15:4. 

That the kingdoms of this world shall become His 

kingdom,— Zech. 9:10; Rev. 11:15. 

That the people shall gather unto Him, — Gen. 

49:10. 
That every knee shall bow to Him, — Isa. 45:23. 



140 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

That they shall come and worship the King, — 

Zech. 14:16; Psa. 86:9. 
That He shall build up Zion,— Psa. 102:16. 

That His throne shall be in Jerusalem, — Jer. 3:17; 

Isa. 30:20, 21. 
That the Apostles shall sit upon twelve thrones, 
judging the twelve tribes of Israel, — Matt. 

19:28; Luke 22:28-30. 
That He shall rule all nations, — Psa. 2:8, 9; 

Rev. 2:27. 
That He shall rule with judgment and justice, — 

Isa. 9:7. 

That the Temple in Jerusalem will be rebuilt 

(Ezek. chapters 40, 48), and the glory of the 

Lord will come into it, — Ezek. 43:2-5; 44:4. 

That the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, — 

Isa. 40:5. 
That the wilderness shall be a fruitful field, — 

Isa. 32:15. 
That the desert will blossom as the rose, — Isa.35: 

1, 2. 
And His rest shall be glorious, — Isa. 11:10. 

And many more w^e might mention. 
Moreover, let us remember that we celebrate the 
Lord's Supper "Until He comes." (1 Cor. 11:26.) 

Objections Considered. Some dissenters allege that 
Death is the coming of Jesus. That is assuming too much. 
Let any one insert "death" in the following passage, as 
well as in many others, and you will see at once it does 
not apply: 

"Hereafter shall ye see 'death' sitting on the 
right hand of power, and coming in the clouds 
of heaven." Matt. 26:64. 



THE BOOK OP DOCTRINES 141 

Moreover, the tilings which the Bible says will take 
place when Jesus comes do not take place at the death of 
a Christian — ^thre is proof before our very eyes. 

And does Christ's coming mean only our acceptance 
of Christ at conversion? Not at all. We accept the prophe- 
cy in the Old Testament which foretold that Jesus would 
literally come to the earth, being born of the house of 
David, in the city of Bethlehem. We condemn the Jews 
for rejecting Him. Let us be consistent therefore and take 
the prophecies concerning Christ's coming literally. 

Historians agree that it was the universal belief among 
early Christians up to the beginning of the fourth century 
(About 325 A. D.), that Jesus would return to earth again. 
The doctrine that people of the earth would continue to 
grow better and more Christlike until the millennium 
would be ushered in was first advanced by Dr. Whitby with- 
in comparatively recent years. 

The Rapture. That is the catching away of the bride 
by the Savior, caught up like Enoch. (1 Thes. 4:17; Eph. 
5:21-32; 2 Cor. 11:2.) The Just will be resurrected, and 
the living believers will be changed in the twinkling of an 
eye — and we shall meet the Savior in the air. 

The Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Then will oc- 
cur the marriage supper, somewhere in God's heaven, as 
refen-ed to in Matt. 22:2-10; 25:10; Luke 14:15-24; Rev. 
19:7,8. Thus the Church of God escapes the tribulation, 
which will be on the earth at this time. (See Luke 21:36; 
2 Pet. 2:9; Rev. 3:10.) 

The Tribulations. This great period of tribulation wiU 
be greater than was ever visited on the world before. (Dan. 
12:1; Matt. 24:21; Luke 21:25,26.) The Church w:U of 
course have been taken out — and God will deal with Isra- 
el a^ain brinjEcint? them back to their own land. (The fol- 



112 THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

lowing references will suffice for a study of these state- 
ments: Acts 15:13-17; Psa. 51:18; 102:16; Isa. 11:11; Isa. 
60; Jer. 30:3; Jer. 31; 32:36-44; Amos 9:15; Zech. 8:10; 

Romans 11.) 

Antichrist will be Revealed. Paul's statement in 2nd 
Thessalonians 2 :8, that the Antichrist will be destroyed by 
the brightness of Christ's coming is in itself sufficient 
proof that there will be no millennium until after the com- 
ing of Christ. Moreover, Matt. 24:29-31 assures us that 
the comhig of the Son of Man will be after the Tribula- 
tion. Yes, after the marriage supper of the Lamb, Christ 
will return to earth and establish the millennium — ^the 
reign of Christ a thousand years upon the earth. 

The Millennium. The Scriptural doctrine of the reign 
of Christ on earth for a thousand years cannot be shaken. 
The first it is mentioned is the Sabbath of Genesis, "On 
the seventh day God rested." It is stated unequivocally in 
Revelation 20:1-9. The thousand years is repeated six 
times in this chapter of Revelation. Some try to doubt the 
fact tliat it means a thousand years simply because it is 
mentioned only once — in Revelation. Contrariwise, the 
Jews themselves have figured it out from the Old Testa- 
ment Scriptures that there is to be a millennium. This is 
mainly from the Sabbath idea — the division of time into 
sevens or weeks. You can follow these Scriptures through: 
Lev. 23:15, 16, 27, 28; 25:4, 8-12; Jer. 25:11, 12; Dan. 9:2. 
Also see Psa. 80, and 2 Peter 3:8. 

All the great Divines have looked forward to this 
millennial reign of Christ It v/as a subject dear to Hermas, 
Justin and the Martyrs, Luther, Melancthon, Mede, Milton, 
Burnett, Isaac Newton, Watts, Charles Wesley, Toplady, 
and a host of othei^. 

Dnrrajr tlie millenniiim we shall siirely vp'lgn on the 



THE BOOK OF IXKJTEIInES 143 

earth with Christ. Scriptural testimony of this is ample: 
2 Thn. 2:12; Rev. 5:10; Isa. 2:2-5; 4; 11:1-12; 25:6-9; 65: 
18-25; Mic. 4:1-4; Zeph. 3:14-20; Zech, 8:8-8; 8:20- 
23; 14:16-21. 

Satan Loosed for a Season, and destroyed with Gog 
and Magog. Rev. 20:7-10; Heb. 2:14. 

Then will come the Resurrection of Judgment, of 
Revelation 20:12-15; John 5:29; Dan. 12:2. 

The White Throne Judgment. All the remaining dead 
are to be judged at the great White Throne, the Judgment 
seat. Rev. 20:11-15. 

Eternity. Let not anyone think that Eternity will be 

a statuesque sort of existence — no, no, no ! Just as we are 
bom as babes here in this earth and are amazed and inter- 
ested throughout our lifetime at the new revelations; and 
just as when we are "bom again" and begin to explore the 
spiritual world; so will we enter a new world, a new uni- 
verse, far beyond our ability to comprehend the greatness 
of. It's too big for me to try to describe. But as I contem- 
plate eternity, forever with the Lord, I am anxious to know 
just what it's like. 

The diagram will probably be of some assistance to 
you in understanding the span of time from the beginning 
down to eternity. But let no one think that we are so dog- 
matic in reference to these things that we are absolutely 
sure tlrnt the diagram does not eiT. As deep as we have 
delved in the Scriptures, and as faithfully as we liave read, 
we are not in position to say that we "know it all." We 
find the most sincere Christian writers on these great 
events of the future, make allowance for thp frailty of hu- 
man comprehension. 









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rrHE BOOK OF DOCTllINES 145 

The Bride of Christ. This Is surely the Lord's Church, 
which He will present to Himself, not having spot or 
wrinkle or any such thing. 

"Husbanas, love your wives, even as Christ also 
loved the Church, and gave Himself for it; that 
He might sanctify and cleanse it with the wash- 
ing of water by the word, that He might present 
it to Himself a glorious Church, not having spot, 
or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should 
be holy and without blemish." In this 5th chapter 
of Ephesians the Church, the Bride of Christ, Is 
typified by the most sacred union known among 
the children of men. 

A Type of the Bride of Christ Is the story of Abraham's 
servant, who represents the Holy Spirit, going into a far 
country to seek a bride for Isaac, who was the type of 
Christ as a sacrifice. Rebekah said, "I will go,*' and so does 
the Bride of Christ today submit to the Holy Ghost as He 
leads us and prepares us for the coming of the Bridegroom. 
The story of Isaac and Rebekah is told in the 24th of 
Genesis. 

The Song of Solomon. Here indeed is the book that 
typifies the longing of the bridegroom and the bride for 
each other. Every verse contains a sacred and blessed 
thought of the union of Christ and the Church, His bride. 

There will be many saints in heaven who are not of 
the bride. Wliat a blessed thought it is that we are welcome 
in the bridehood! (See Col. 1:24-27.) 

Many of the saints in these last days of the outpouring 
of the Holy Spirit are studying the Scriptures \^ith a new 
understanding, and deeper truths are being revealed con- 
cerning the bridehood. Let us suggest that we consider 
this passage concerning the bride an index for beginning 



14« THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 

to study about the bride of Christ. It will reward you many 
fold in the blessing that it brings you to study of the 
Church of God, the Bride of Christ, and the Bridegroom. 



The Four Judgments 

Because these are frequently referred to let us point 
out the Scriptures on which they are based: 

1. The Judgment of the Saints for their Works. 
This is surely not on this earth. Compare 1 Thes. 
4:13-18, with 2 Thes. 1:6=10; Rev. 19:11-16; Matt. 
25:31-46. 

2. The Judgment of the Living Nations who are upon 
the Earth v^hen Christ Returns to Earth with the 
Hosts of Heaven. See Matthew 13:40-43; Jesus will 
Judge the quick (that is, the hving), and the dead. 

3. The Great White Throne Judgment. This is the 
great judgment day to which we usually refer. It 
is described in Revelation 20:12-15; Also see 2 Peter 
2:9; Matt. 10:15; 11:21-24; 12:41, 42; Romans 
2:15, 16. 

4. The Judgment of Angels. There was a fire pre- 
pared for the devil and his angels. Compare Rev. 
19:20 with Rev. 20:7-10; 2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6. 

These four Judgments are included in the Great Day of 
the Lord. 

You will recall that Martin Luther made some won- 
derful discoveries about Christianity. John Wesley and his 
associates made more discoveries, among them being 
Sanctification. In 1905 we began to have the Latter Rain, 
the Pentecostal Shower. Since that time we have been hav- 
ing manifestations of the gifts of the Spirit as outlined in 



THE BOOK OF DOCTRINES 147 

the Scriptures. They have been set in the Church. Not as 
many as we hope for, but some. 

All this Denotes Progress. We are getting nearer and 
nearer the standards of the Church that the Apostles es- 
tabhshed, with Christ as the head of the Church. Our hearts 
are humble, and we are ever watching for new and more 
marvelous manifestations of God's power. 

We are also praying that the Holy Ghost will open un- 
to us a better understanding of the Scriptures. What we 
have found is w^onderful to us, but think, there may be 
others after us who will look back on us like w^e look back 
on Martin Luther, and say: "He didn't receive the Pente- 
costal Baptism — O how much he missed." They will have 
found blessings to which w^e have not attained. 

But you can count on us, we are earnestly contending 
for the faith that was once delivered to the saints. We are 
sure we have it in good measure, but we wait and pray for 
it in its fullness. 

A sermon can be preached on every single subject in 
this book and then leave much to be said. It is hoped that 
you will take your pencil and note book and work out each 
one of these subjects for yourself, using this book only as 
an index. For when w^e contemplate the greatness of the 
subjects before us we are overwhelmed with the great- 
ness and goodness of God! 

May God add His Blessings! 

THE END 



THE LAST GREAT CONFLICT 

One of the Most ReaHstic and Striking *'Old Time Religion" 
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EXPERIENCES STRA NGE AND MARVELOUS 

On one occasion the Author of this book, by mali- 
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disreputable and ungodly man. This man came one Sun- 
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the man curbed his violence, turned away saying, "There's 
enough man left in me not to fight a man that won't 
fight!" 

This is only the barest incident. This book is crowded 
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CHURCH OF GOD PUBLISHING HOUSE, 
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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




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